Aquatic Invasive Species School Resources

Web-based Middle Level resources that are great and user friendly to adapt to your instruction 

This site from National Geographic shares an overview of AIS in which:

Students learn what invasive species are, reasons they are introduced to new locations, and how invasive species harm ecosystems. Although developed for the target group below, it can be useful for other grade levels.

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/activity/introduction-invasive-species/

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45 minutes
Grades 6-8
Ages 11-14

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What Makes a Good Invader Activity

Although developed for students in Michigan, Lake Michigan shares similar AIS, similar to those which threaten our wetlands in Central New York-for example, examples of dramatic invasions in Michigan (presentation contains slides on zebra mussels, emerald ash borer, and Eurasian water milfoil) are included in this comprehensive lesson plan. This lesson is most appropriate for 4th-6th grade, but could be used in higher grade levels. The activity can complement lessons where teachers have introduced ecological concepts such as population, community, niche, and invasive species.

http://kbsgk12project.kbs.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Invasive-Species-Activity.pdf​

Getting  Started: Help students develop their knowledge about invasive species and the negative impact they can have on our environments by showing the Invasive Species: The Basics video. You can also have students explore the Invasive and Exotic Species of North America website to learn more about the invasive plants, insects, pathogens and other species found here in the United States.

Essential Question(s): What invasive species are found in your state, and what can you do to help increase the awareness of invasive species issues? 

Nova (PBS) Interactive Invasive Species Matching Game. Many of the Invasive Species are AQUATIC.  Do you know what Aquatic means?

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