Grades:
7-12
Objective:
Learn about invasive species and their effect on environments.
Method: Students will read about the Chestnut Blight and its effect on the tree population, and will conduct research to find out more about another invasive species.
Method:
Students will engage in a discussion about where the ingredients in a historic recipe originate, where their groceries come from today, and how food gets from the fields to their homes.
Materials:
- Copy of The American Chestnut Story article for each student
- Computer access or library for student research
- Notepaper
- Writing Implements
Time:
- Preparation Time: : 10 minutes
- Class Time: approximately 60 minutes
Procedure:
- Discuss invasive species.
- Ask students to read the article about the American Chestnut tree, either silently or as a class.
- Explain to students that they will be conducting a research assignment.
- First, ask students to briefly browse Invasive Species website to find an invasive species to research (if time constraints are a concern, you may choose to assign the species to the students).
- Ask students to research their assigned species for a few minutes and to take notes on their findings.
- Ask students to report their findings to the class aloud or have them write a short description to be handed in at the end of class.
Assessment:
- Class discussion on the reading (listening and speaking))
- Written notes
- Presentation to the class OR written description of invasive species
NYS Learning Standards:
- ELA Standard 1
- Math, Science and Tech. Standard 2
- Math, Science and Tech. Standard 4
Vocabulary & Spelling Words:
Blight – n. a disease that causes the rapid and extensive discoloration, wilting, and death of plant tissues.
Invasive Species – n. any species that is not native to that area; and whose introduction causes economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.
Native – adj. growing naturally in a particular country or region, as animals or plants.