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Description
Vectors of Spread is a hands-on, outdoor activity that creatively teaches the students the four common ways that invasive species spread to other areas and how to prevent the spread with simple actions. It consists of four challenge stations at which students participate in an activity and clean the materials used, in an attempt to pass an inspection. The challenge stations are as follows:
Clean Drain Dry and Aquatic Hitchhikers- teaches the students about aquatic invasive species and how to properly enjoy water activities while being responsible. The students play with a toy watercraft in "Lake 1" (plastic tub of water) that has invasive species (dried herb). They have 4 minutes to clean, drain and dry their watercraft. The watercraft is then placed in "Lake 2" to see if there is any transfer of the invasive species.
Play Clean and Go and Seeds in our Treads- will teach the students how invasive species can be accidentally transported in the treads of gear and vehicles. Students will play in soil loaded with seeds and then clean their boots and wheels within a 4 minute time limit after-which their boots and wheels are inspected.
The Play Clean and Go and Seeds that Stick station- involves the students in learning how invasive species often have seeds with special features to help them to be carried to other locations. At this station the students will use socks and 'stuffies' to play in a bin of small pieces of Velcro. As before, they then have 4 minutes to clean the socks and stuffies before inspection.
Buy Local Burn Local-Who Hides in Our Firewood- illustrates the potential of firewood to transport invasive species. The students search to find and remove mock insects (grains of rice) hidden in pieces of wood. The goal is to understand that wood should not be transported to different locations. Only local wood should be burned.
There are two additional optional class demonstrations included in this resource as well as extensions ideas and related resources.
General Assessment
Recommendation of how and where to use it
Vectors of Spread is a creative and hands-on outdoor activity that teaches the students the common ways that invasive species can spread. More importantly, it also teaches ways for the students to be aware and act to stop the spread. This activity is well suited for the elementary and middle school curriculum with outcomes linked to habitats, diversity and ecosystems.
Relevant Curriculum Units
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- Science 7: Evolution by natural selection provides an explanation for the diversity and survival of living things.
Themes Addressed
Ecosystems (4)
- Appreciating the Natural World
- Biodiversity
- Habitat Loss
- Invasive Species
Land Use & Natural Resources (1)
- Forests
Water (1)
- Marine Environments
