The 4th graders have been studying invasive species, especially in Lake Michigan, and following the work of Host Researcher Russell Cuhel, from the Great Lakes Water Institute. The students used a powerpoint developed by Mrs. DeTorre and Mrs. Ziegelbauer to collect data to compare and contrast zebra and quagga mussels. In the science lab, the students worked at 4 different stations to simulate the real research going on at the present time. The lab stations had the students measuring shell length, using digital calipers; measuring the biomass and shell mass using the triple beam balances; observing live zebra mussels in a tank; and finally answering the question about zebra and quagga mussel distribution around the United States.
Now the students are putting together the results of their research and making models of both types of mussels. The models must include: shell shape, shape of bottom of shell,orientation (ability to stay upright), coloration or patterns, siphon position, and byssal thread location.
Students also got a chance to put all their knowledge of invasive species to work when they went to the JASON Project Mission site online and played the digital lab
called, "Eco-Defenders". Invasive species from one part of the world sometimes move to new places, establish an ecological niche, and disrupt the ecosystem. Using their understanding of these concepts, students analyzed how an invasive species can enter an ecosystem and take over. Students have access to this digital lab and more by logging into the JASON Project website at jason.org.
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