Ecology Teacher Links
Teacher Links
This Ecology unit is part of SEPUP’s Issues and Science three-year Middle School program. Each unit of the program incorporates science and engineering concepts and practices with current issues. The Ecology unit focuses on invasive species and their potential harmful effects on native ecosystems and people, and on potential solutions for controlling these species.
Teacher Links
Learning Pathway Diagrams for this unit:
MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3
Activity 2: Introduced Species
Sea Grant Nonindigenous Species Site
National Invasive Species Information Center
Global Invasive Species Database
These are good resources which include a comprehensive collection of research publications and education materials on introduced species, as well as searchable databases.
Activity 3: Data Transects
Examples of Compiling Student Data
Activity 5: A Suitable Habitat
A Blackworm Displaying Peristaltic Movements
Lumbriculus Variegatus – The Blackworm
These videos show blood flow and movement in blackworms.
Activity 6: Ups and Downs
Dynamic Map of Zebra Mussel Distribution
You can find out how far zebra mussels have spread each year in the United States on this interactive map produced by the U.S. government.
Alternative Dynamic Map of Zebra Mussel Distribution
Includes dynamic maps of for several other aquatic invasive species, including Asian carp.
Activity 8: Eating for Matter and Energy
Student (and teacher) friendly explanation of “the ten percent rule” in ecosystems ecology.
Activity 9 / CA Activity 12: Population Growth
This video (2:00) shows how to prepare the Paramecia for this activity.
This website will help students learn more about Paramecium and other aquatic protists.
This website has a video (8:32) showing Paramecia and other protozoans living in pond water. There are also links to photos and additional videos.
Activity 11 / CA Activity 14: Cycling of Matter
Invertebrates of the Compost Pile
This site from Cornell University explains the diversity of decomposers.
Activity 14 / CA Activity 17: Effects of an Introduced Species
Two short videos for introducing the Hudson River research study on zebra mussels can be found at this website.
Use this link to access the data on the introduction of the zebra mussel in the Hudson River.