Contextualization

Invasive species are a significant ecological and environmental problem worldwide. These are non-native species that, when introduced to a new ecosystem, cause harm to the native species and the environment. This harm can be in the form of outcompeting native species, predation, or destroying habitats. Invasive species can lead to the extinction of native species, disrupt ecosystems, and even impact human health and the economy.

Understanding invasive species is essential as it provides insights into the complex nature of ecosystems and the delicate balance that exists within them. Studying invasive species can also help us identify and manage these species, mitigating their harmful effects. This is particularly crucial as globalization and increased human travel and trade have facilitated the spread of invasive species.

Importance

Invasive species pose a significant threat to biodiversity, which is the variety of life on Earth. Biodiversity is crucial for the functioning of ecosystems and provides a range of services that are essential for human well-being, including the provision of food, clean water, and air, and protection against natural disasters. Invasive species can disrupt these services, leading to far-reaching ecological and socio-economic consequences.

Additionally, the management and control of invasive species can be expensive and challenging. According to a report from the Global Invasive Species Database, the worldwide cost of invasive species is estimated at over $1.4 trillion every year. By understanding the causes and impacts of invasive species, we can develop strategies to prevent their introduction and manage their impacts more effectively.

Resources

1. National Geographic - Invasive Species
2. United States Department of Agriculture - Invasive Species
3. National Invasive Species Information Center
4. Global Invasive Species Database
5. Invasive Species Research Network
6. Invasive Species Compendium

Practical Activity

Activity Title:

Investigating Invasive Species: A Local Perspective

Objective:

To research, identify, and report on a local invasive species, understanding their impacts on the environment and ways to manage their spread.

Detailed Description:

In groups of 3 to 5, students will conduct research on a specific local invasive species. Each group will be responsible for gathering information about the species, including its origin, how it was introduced to the area, its impacts on the local ecosystem, and current management strategies.

Necessary Materials:

• Internet access for research
• Books or other resources about invasive species
• Notebooks or digital document for recording findings
• Poster board or digital tool for creating the final report
• Art supplies for creating visuals for the report (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Formation of Groups (15 minutes): Students will form groups of 3 to 5 members. Each group should choose a group leader who will be responsible for coordinating the group's activities and facilitating communication.

2. Species Selection (30 minutes): Each group will decide on a specific local invasive species to research. If possible, choose a species that can be observed in the local environment or one that has had a noticeable impact on the area.

3. Research (40 minutes): Groups will conduct research on their chosen species. They should use a variety of resources, including the ones provided in the introduction, to gather information about the species. Each group should focus on the following key areas:

   • Origin of the species
   • How it was introduced to the area
   • Impacts on the local ecosystem and native species
   • Current management strategies

4. Report Creation (1 hour): Using the gathered information, each group will create a report detailing their findings. The report should be divided into four sections: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Used Bibliography.

   • Introduction: Here, the group should provide context about their chosen species and why it is considered invasive. They should also state the objective of their research.
   • Development: This section should contain the details of the species, its origin, introduction, impacts, and management strategies. Each point should be supported by evidence from the research.
   • Conclusions: The group should summarize their findings and draw conclusions about the impacts of the invasive species and the effectiveness of the management strategies.
   • Used Bibliography: The group should list all the sources they used for their research.

5. Report Presentation (30 minutes): Each group will present their report to the class. The presentation should be engaging and should include visuals to support their findings.

6. Discussion (20 minutes): After each presentation, the class should have a discussion about the presented species. This will allow students to learn from each other's research and perspectives.

Project Deliverables:

• A written report detailing the research findings following the structure indicated above.
• A presentation of the report to the class.
• A bibliography of the sources used for research.

Project Assessment:

The project will be assessed based on the written report, the presentation, and the group's participation and collaboration. The report should demonstrate a deep understanding of the chosen species, its impacts, and management strategies. The presentation should be engaging and should effectively communicate the group's findings. The group's participation and collaboration will be assessed based on how well they worked together, shared responsibilities, and resolved conflicts.