Science Content:
Differentiate between the life cycles of different plants and animals
Analyze plant and animal structures and functions needed for survival and describe the flow of energy through a system that all organisms use to survive.
Compare changes in an organism's ecosystem/habitat that affects its survival.
Estimated Time: 4 45-minute sessions
Students compare life cycles of native freshwater mussels to non-native zebra mussels. They describe how the zebra mussel impacts native mussels, other organisms and the ecosystem. The students will describe the role of human activity and technology on the spread of zebra mussels and its impact on the economy and recreation.
Part 1: Students will draw on their understanding of native freshwater mussels from Mussel Mania. Next they will work to review vocabulary words from previous mussel activities in a sorting activity. Then they will be given new vocabulary words to sort and discuss.
Part 2: In small groups, students will read and discuss the life cycles of freshwater mussels and zebra mussels. They will work to find the meaning of any new word as they read. Next they will compare and contrast the two readings and complete a chart about the mussel types. As a class, they will also discuss other facts about zebra mussels and distribution of mussels.
Part 3: Students will use their knowledge to write a comparison and create a way to educate the public on the impact of zebra mussels.