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From Here, From Away

Elementary, Middle

Description

This activity develops an understanding of native species, introduced species, invasive species and non-invasive species through movement, active decision-making and group collaboration. It is intended to be completed outdoors but can easily be adapted to an indoor setting.

After discussing with students these four species determinations and which are harmful and non-harmful, students are shown pictures of various species and asked to decide if it is 'from here' (native) or 'from away' (introduced). They demonstrate their decision by running to an area designated for each group. After completing this exercise for 15-20 species, students will organize the pictures into the configuration shown below.

Included in this activity are extension ideas and a PowerPoint presentation with pictures and facts of over 95 species.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

From Here, From Away is a great introductory activity to teach the concepts of invasive, non-invasive and native species to students.  The activity links very well to the outcomes related to habitat, environment and diversity of living things in the Grades 4 to 7 Science curriculum.

Relevant Curriculum Units

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  • Alberta
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    • Grade 4
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      • Science
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        • Exploring connections strengthens our understandings of relationships to help us make meaning of the world.
        • Investigating change and the diversity of Earth’s systems helps us to develop understandings of the conditions necessary to sustain life.
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      • Science
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        • Wetland Ecosystems
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        • Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions
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        • Interactions and Ecosystems
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        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
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        • Science 7: Evolution by natural selection provides an explanation for the diversity and survival of living things.
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        • Habitat and Communities
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        • Properties and Uses of Earth Materials: Learning and Living Sustainably
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        • Wayfinding: Making sense of your world: Learning and Living Sustainably
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        • Habitats
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        • Interactions and Ecosystems
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        • Science 4: Habitats
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        • Habitats
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        • Interactions Within Ecosystems
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        • Habitats and Communities
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        • Science 6: Life Science: Diversity of Living Things
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        • Science 7: Life Science: Interactions within Ecosystems
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        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
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        • Science 7: Evolution by natural selection provides an explanation for the diversity and survival of living things.

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (3)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Biodiversity
  • Invasive Species