This module explores invasive species! While viewing the video, students will become familiar with what invasive species are, and the impact that these organisms have on the environments that they are introduced to. Following the video, students will gather evidence as well as develop reasoning over who is more responsible for the introduction of the invasive species as well as propose a solution on how this issue could have been avoided.

After this module you will be able to:

• Define what invasive species are.
• Recognize an invasive species by analyzing its behavior and the effects on its environment.
• Describe how humans are primarily responsible for the introduction of invasive species to new environments.
• Develop a scientific explanation as well as a proposed solution by using evidence and reasoning.

Materials

• STEM Journal
• Writing Utensil
• Curious Minds C-E-R Board Instructions
• Curious Minds Wanted Poster Instructions

Safety

This lesson does not require hazardous or harmful materials.

Activity

Join detectives Sherlock Jones and Nancy Brew on an investigation as we solve the case of the missing teachHOUSTON turtles. Come help us decide our suspect and develop proposals to combat invasive species!

Watch the activity video below.

Steps

1. Watch the video and use what you learned to complete the Curious Minds C-E-R Board.
2. Determine at least one reasonable solution for how to combat the negative impacts invasive species may have on native wildlife.
3. Create a video or write a paragraph that:
   1. Explains who you believe is the guilty suspect. Support your claim with scientific reasoning and include specific examples from the video to support your argument.
   2. Provides at least 1 reasonable solution to avoiding the introduction of invasive species to an ecosystem. Be sure to justify your solution with logical reasoning and scientific thinking.

Dig Deeper

Read This

Did you know humans purposely introduce invasive species to an ecosystem? Invasive species are often used as a form of pest control in new areas in order to bring balance to harmed ecosystems. The Cane Toad, ordinarily from South America, was the most used species introduced as pest control. However, it quickly became the most dangerous invasive species.

Try This

Did you know there are invasive species all around the world? Some have been introduced by natural causes, and others by humans, whether purposely or accidentally. It is time to put your creative skills to practice and help The Green Team find them!

Show What You Know

Meet Our Expert

Did you know there are scientists that study how wildlife and humans interact? This week’s expert, Kelly Norrid, is an Urban Wildlife Biologist with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department who specializes in how humans and wildlife interact and the development of wildlife habitats for the Greater Houston area. His work focuses primarily on habitat management and restoration as well as volunteering with local area state parks.

Meet The Teachers

Jacqueline Ekeoba
Master Teacher, teachHOUSTON STEM Interactive
Interactive Team Lead, teachHOUSTON, Department of Mathematics, University of Houston
Jacqueline Ekeoba is an alumna of the inaugural group of students graduating through the teachHOUSTON Program (University of Houston). She earned an M.A. in STEM Education and Engineering (University of Texas) and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Global Pragmatic Research in STEM Education (Texas Tech University). As a former high school science teacher and instructional coach, she mentors and volunteers through her church and sorority (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Zeta chapter). In her free time, she writes comic book fan fiction and experiments with allergen-friendly cooking.

Yolanda Sanchez Arnaud
Environmental Systems Teacher, Spring Woods High School, Spring Branch ISD.
University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, teachHOUSTON Alumna, Biology Major 
Ms. Sanchez graduated from the University of Houston as a biology major. She currently teaches environmental systems and uses every opportunity she gets to teach her students about the importance of conservation. In her free time, Ms. Sanchez likes to spend time being outdoors with her dog, Pepper, or watching Friends.

Fernanda Marrero Hi
Earth Science and Sociology Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
teachHOUSTON STEM Interactive Video Editor
Fernanda is an Earth science and sociology major at the University of Houston. She is a senior in the teachHOUSTON Program and will be student teaching in the fall. In her free time, Ms. Marrero enjoys walking her 5-year-old Alaskan husky and hiking at state and national parks.

Anna Uribe
Biology Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics 
Anna is a biology major at the University of Houston. She is a member of teachHOUSTON, a program which combines her passions for STEM, teaching, and learning. In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her dogs!

Molly Carmody
Biology Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Molly is an undergraduate student at the University of Houston, where she is majoring in biology as well as completing the teachHOUSTON Program. When she is not studying, Ms. Carmody enjoys traveling, going dancing, and shopping at HomeGoods!

Emmanuel Kyei
Biomedical Sciences Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Mr. Kyei is a graduate of the teachHouston Program and an upcoming biology teacher at Manvel High School in Alvin ISD. In his free time, he enjoys doing many things, some of which are reading scientific articles, writing (short novels, inspirational quotes, and motivational speeches), and playing basketball.