Biology Lesson: Invasive Species
Lesson Plan
1 hour 30 minutesGrades9, 10, 11, 12Science
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Written by Christa Delaney
About this lesson
Students learn how the spread of invasive species, driven by climate change, affects biodiversity. Using spotted lanternflies as an example, students discuss solutions to invasive species.
Inquire: Students are introduced to the concept of invasive species.
Investigate: Students analyze the effects of spotted lanternflies on a community and discuss the effects of climate change on invasive species.
Inspire: Students consider solutions to address invasive species and make infographics about spotted lanternflies.
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Suggestions
- This lesson covers invasive species and reproductive strategies using a real-life case study of spotted lanternflies in New Jersey.
- Students practice their math skills in a science classroom.
- This lesson could be used in a Biology course as part of a unit on Ecology.
- If this lesson is being taught in 45-minute class periods, consider using the following pacing:
- Day 1: Inquire and Investigate section through the calculations
- Day 2: Complete the Investigate section and the Inspire section
Prerequisites
- Students should have prior knowledge of reproductive strategies and natural selection.
- Students will need computers to conduct research on spotted lanternflies and to make their infographics.
Differentiation
- For an AP Biology course, teacher could remove the formula for percent change and ask students to calculate it independently.
- Students can present their infographics at a town hall meeting.
- Students can send out their virtual gallery walk in a newsletter to the school district.
- To scaffold this lesson for students, the teacher could complete an example equation with students first, and then the students could perform the calculations.
- For extension, students can further their understanding by finding an example of another invasive species in their area and making a second infographic about that organism.
From the scientist review
Students study the traits of invasive species, their interactions with other species in the ecosystem, compute biodiversity-specie richness, population density and change, and the potential effects of climate change on invasive species' population. After reviewing the lesson, it passed our credibility process for science.
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About the teacher writer
Christa Delaney
Christa Delaney holds a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies and Teacher Education from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and a Professional Science Master's in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from Unity College. She has been teaching since 2005 and has 21 years of experience teaching Advanced Placement Environmental Science to grades 11–12. Christa is certified to teach Biological Science and specializes in environmental science and sustainability education.
