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Grade: 6 to 8

Introduction

Students will conduct research and report on the history of, problems associated with, characteristics and adaptations of, and control methods for a particular invasive plant species in your area. Students will share the findings from their research with the class. Students will use the information from this report in other lessons within this curriculum. Before teaching this lesson, read the entire lesson and make sure all materials are available.

Click here to view the lesson plan (pdf).

Grade: 7 to 1

Introduction

Students will determine the characteristics of desirable rangeland by identifying an Ecological Reference Area (ERA), visiting the ERA, and filling out a series of forms to characterize physical attributes and assess the ecological health of the ERA. This information will serve as a benchmark against which to compare similar sites of interest. Next, students will visit an area with an extensive, invasive plant infestation. Using the same forms, students will perform a qualitative assessment of the second area. Before teaching this lesson, read the entire lesson and make sure all materials are available.

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Grade: 6 to 8

Introduction

By comparing several alien weed species, students will learn to identify similarities among species.

Before beginning this lesson, students must complete the lesson When Is A Rose Not A Rose?. Students will use information in the reports they prepared for When Is A Rose Not A Rose? to learn about similarities among invasive weed species.

Before teaching this lesson, read the entire lesson and make sure all materials are available.

Click here to view the lesson plan (pdf).

Grade: 6 to 8

Introduction

Humans often unintentionally carry invasive weed species to new areas by car, truck, bike, clothing, and pets. With the ease of air and ship travel, we can transport non-native species thousands of miles in just a few hours, and the new habitat might be vulnerable to an invasion. As the human population increases and more people access fields and forests more often, the opportunities for seeds and plants to travel to new areas also increase. Students will learn how their actions and the actions of others can contribute to the spread of invasive weeds. Before teaching this lesson, read the entire lesson and make sure all materials are available.

Click here to view the lesson plan (pdf).

Grade: 4 to 12

Introduction

Students will apply the experience and knowledge they acquired during previous lessons within this unit to demonstrate their understanding of invasive plants. Using information from the reports they prepared for the lesson When is a Rose Not a Rose?, students will create an imaginative, make-believe alien weed. Through a combination of science and art, students will learn about plant adaptations, defense mechanisms, habitats, and other characteristics of plants. Students will also begin to understand invasive plant issues within their community. Before teaching this lesson, read the entire lesson and make sure all materials are available.