Invasive Shark Tank

Invasive Shark Tank

Time of Activity: 1 hour

Materials needed:

• Pencils

• Invasive species species information and ecosystem background

• Empty TP rolls

• Construction paper

• Sponges

• Scissor

• Glue

• Other Art supplies as necessary

• Pipe Cleaners

• Foam

Objectives:

Students will be able to discuss the harm that invasive species have on the ecosystem.

HS-LS2-6 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.

Take Home Message:

Invasive species are harmful to the ecosystem. However, invasive species can also be controlled by creative solutions

Synopsis of the activity:

Students will learn what it means to be an invasive species. They will then create their own device to help control a randomly assigned invasive species

Steps of the activity:

1. Gather group and go through basics of invasive species

2. What does it mean to be an invasive species?

   1. (Answer)Any living organism that is not native and causes harm to an ecosystem

3. Why are invasive species dangerous for an ecosystem?

   1. (Answer) The native species have not been adapted to live with an invasive species

      1. It might out compete other animals for food

      2. It might cause illnesses

      3. It might change a habitat so there is no food or shelter

4. How do most invasive species spread?

   1. (Answer) Humans!

      1. We can move species on purpose

         1. People like to plant beautiful plants that can then take over and spread to other areas

         2. People want to own animals that are not native to the area.

            1. These pets can get out on accident and reproduce

            2. People cannot take care of the animal properly and will purposefully release an invasive species

            3. Lionfish

            4. Burmese python

      2. We can move species on accident

         1. Species can hide as we are moving

            1. Critters can hide in firewood when you move it from one campsite to the next

         2. Water taken in by ships will be dropped in other ports and drop off smaller organisms

5. What can be done?

   1. People can start organized clean up removals

   2. Governments can implement management policies

   3. People can make sure to not release invasive species on purpose and on accident

6. The lionfish is an extremely invasive fish to reefs in the Americas

   1. It is a top predator and can out compete any native fish such as the snappers and groupers

   2. Lionfish do not have any predators in the Gulf of Mexico because of their venomous barbs

   3. To help control populations many governments and scientists have come up with creative solutions to help protect our reefs from the lionfish

      1. The U.S. government allows fishers to receive more fish tags if they catch lionfish

      2. Famous chefs are learning how to properly cook and prepare the fish to serve it as a delicacy

      3. Innovators have come up with an underwater vacuum that will stun the fish and suck it up so it can be delivered fresh to restaurants

7. Now it is our turn to help out ecosystems! Split group into teams of 3 or 4 people

8. Each group will be assigned an invasive species. They are tasked with coming up with a device to remove the invasive species.

   1. During this time the groups will need to come up with a pitch as to why their device is most important and why the sharks should pick them to invest in

   2. Things to think about for pitch:

      1. Why is this device necessary?

      2. What will happen to the ecosystem if we allow the invasive species to continue to reproduce?

      3. Why is your product the best solution?

9. After 15 minutes the groups will come together and pitch their plans to the sharks

   1. The sharks will be the facilitator and any other adult in the group

   2. The sharks are allowed to ask questions

10. The sharks will then vote and pick which device won

11. Debrief questions

• What did you learn about invasive species?

• Why is it important to protect our natural habitat?

• In your groups was there a leader?

  • How was the leader assigned?

• Did members of your group end up taking on different roles?

  • Did the roles change?

• Do scientists work as groups and with other people?

  • Why is it important that we work as group when it comes to scientific issues?