Several lessons offer hands-on classroom research. We suggest you start by introducing the concept of invaders using our Introductory PowerPoint combined with either Loteria or Design the Ultimate Invader. Then, lead students through one of our inquiry-based lesson plans:

On the Trail of a Snail - In this lesson, students pretend to be “invasion biologists” and investigate the appearance of a mysterious new snail in their local creek. Students research the identity and ecology of this new, mysterious snail, and then design experiments to understand its impact.

How to Manage Killer Plants - Students conduct experiments to discover the best way to control the seaweed Caulerpa or Brazilian elodea. Students will understand design and execution of experiments and be able to explain their results.

Student-Conducted Survey - Students design and conduct a school survey on knowledge of invasive species and live plants and animals in their school and classroom.