6th - 8th Grade Module 8 Concept 4

Cycle 2

How can we choose the best design solutions that maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services?
Cycle Summary

In this cycle, students research the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and use information from the other Concepts in order to evaluate design solutions and choose the best ones to maintain the health of an ecosystem. Students particularly focus on bush honeysuckle and Asian carp, two invasive species that have had a negative impact on Missouri ecosystems.

This is the final preparation before the performance task, where students will use their understanding of ecology in order to improve the biodiversity and ecosystem services of an area around their community.

Session 6
Elicit

Students identify the types of questions that should be asked to solve a problem.

Engage

Students view an invasive species affecting trees in the Smoky Mountains and how ecologists are solving the problem.

Explore

Students explore biodiversity and how it affects ecosystems.
Students compare two different ecosystems and describe the biodiversity and ecosystem services in each.

Session 7
Elicit

Students identify the types of questions that should be asked to solve a problem.

Engage

Students view an invasive species affecting trees in the Smoky Mountains and how ecologists are solving the problem.

Explore

Students explore biodiversity and how it affects ecosystems.
Students compare two different ecosystems and describe the biodiversity and ecosystem services in each.

Session 8
Explain

Students investigate solutions for managing bush honeysuckle.

Session 9
Elaborate

Students research another invasive species and evaluate solutions to the problem.

Session 10
Evaluate

Students complete an assessment to evaluate their learning.

Extend
Extend

Students observe natural ecosystems through a field trip to Forest Park.