Description

Strange intruders are invading our part of the world, threatening our environment and our economy. These newcomers and their impact on our ecological balance are the focus of Invasion Ecology, a new book that teaches students to investigate the behaviors of nonnative and native species. Studying real-life invaders such as purple loosestrife and Phragmites, students will learn about the links between biology and ecology -- and explore how scientists are fighting these aggressors with biological controls.

The Teacher's Edition explains how to guide highly sophisticated inquiry and conduct interactive research. Materials are classroom-ready and include detailed background information as well as sample assessment tasks and rubrics. The companion Student Edition has three sections:

• Background on the science of ecology and its place in the control of invasive species

• Protocols for practicing methods that scientists use in monitoring invasive species, such as early detection surveys, plot sampling, transect surveys, and decomposition studies

• A series of helpful worksheets to guide students through their own interactive research

Invasion Ecology is the second volume in the four-part Environmental Inquiry curriculum series, designed to show students how to apply scientific knowledge to solving real-life problems.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

INTRODUCTION
• Environmental Inquiry
• Meeting the Standards
• Why Inquiry?
• Audience

WHY ECOLOGY OF INVASIVE SPECIES?
• Authentic Science
• Relevance
• Engaging Students

INQUIRY AND ECOLOGY
• Levels of Inquiry
• Cooperation and Peer Review in Science
• Ecological Research

GUIDING STUDENT INQUIRY
• About the Student Edition

SECTION 1. UNDERSTANDING INVASION ECOLOGY
• Model Responses to Discussion Questions
-Chapter 1. Introduction
-Chapter 2. Population Ecology
-Chapter 3. Community Ecology
-Chapter 4. Ecosystem Ecology

SECTION 2. INVASION ECOLOGY PROTOCOLS—INTRODUCING RESEARCH
• Overview: Protocols and Forms
• Using the Protocols in Research

SECTION 3. BEYOND PROTOCOLS—CONDUCTING INTERACTIVE RESEARCH
• Steps in Conducting Interactive Research
• Example Interactive Research Projects
• Ideas for Interactive Research Projects
• Inquiry Teaching Tips

ASSESSMENT
• Performance Assessment
• Example Assessment Rubrics for EI Student Research
-Assessment Criteria for Student Research
-Assessment Rubrics for Poster Presentations
-Assessment Rubrics for Written Reports
• Sample Test Questions

REFERENCES
STUDENT EDITION