Last updated: March 7, 2019
Lesson Plan
"Fishy Business" Don't Let It Loose: 5-8th Grade
- Grade Level:
- Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
- Subject:
- Science
- Lesson Duration:
- 60 Minutes
- State Standards:
- Next Generation Sunshine State Standards:
5th MA.5.A.4.2 SC.5.L.15
6th MA.6.A.3.6 SC.6.N.1.1
7th SC.7.E.6.6
National Science Standards grades 5-8:
Life Science: NS.5-8.3
Personal and Social Perspectives: NS.5-8.3
Essential Question
What is the effect of exotic species on an ecosystem?
Objective
Students will examine the effect of exotic species on an ecosystem by role-playing both a healthy food chain and one that has been impacted by Mayan cichlids. Students will also be able to discuss a basic food chain, define and give examples of exotic species, and discuss how exotic species can disrupt a food chain.
Background
Our "Don't let it Loose" unit is broken into seven lesson plans, each taking 45 minutes to 4 classroom periods to complete, and targeted primarily at middle school students. A class needn't complete every lesson in the unit, though some lessons do refer to one another. However, each lesson comes with its own set of objectives and resources.
Preparation
Incorporate the Everglades into your lesson planning. In partnership with teachers, we are proud to offer multidisciplinary, curriculum-based activities that bring relevant lessons from the field into the classroom. These materials can be used as pre-site lessons for any in-park field trip. Please click here to view a list of Everglades Curriculum Materials.
Procedure
To request hard copies or digital copies of the following activity guides, please email the Everglades Education Department or call (305) 242-7753.
Vocabulary
exotic, native, food chain, predator, prey