In this game, students learn what an invasive species is and how they impact the ecosystems they invade.
The goal is to "wrangle" invasive species before they take over an ecosystem; the challenge increases as the invading species multiply and food sources dwindle.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This game is entertaining and interactive; students will find the increasing difficulty a fun challenge.
Through game play, students will see first-hand what an invasive species can do to an ecosystem.
Additional Prerequisites
Slower internet speeds may impede the game loading.
If using laptops or Chromebooks, consider providing a mouse for younger students as the track pad may be harder to utilize as the game becomes more challenging.
Don't skip the introduction, as it gives a great overview of what an invasive species is and what they can do to an ecosystem.
Differentiation
This resource would work well in a science or computer class, as it allows for learning about a science topic while giving younger students good practice with their computer skills.
This game would be a fun resource for students who complete other science work early, in a part of a station-rotation model, or as a brain break between more strenuous assignments.
This game is not scored, but it can be turned into an entertaining competition if each player starts at the same time.
This is an interactive game with different case examples and vegetation zones, where students can learn how to get rid of invasive species to conserve biodiversity in their community. This is recommended.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
MS-LS2-4 Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.
LS4: Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
3-LS4-3 Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 4: Taking Informed Action
D4.6.6-8 Draw on multiple disciplinary lenses to analyze how a specific problem can manifest itself at local, regional, and global levels over time, identifying its characteristics and causes, and the challenges and opportunities faced by those trying to address the problem.
