LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Goal 7

The learner will conduct investigations and use technologies and information systems to build an understanding of population dynamics.

Objective 7.05

Examine evidence that overpopulation by any species impacts the environment.

Resources aligned to this objective

Eco-tourism in the Outer Banks
In CareerStart lessons: Grade six, page 3.10
In this lesson for grade 6, students will learn about the effects of tourists on the delicate ecosystems of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Students will explore careers related to tourism and will attempt to solve tourism/erosion problems in the Outer Banks from a career-based perspective.
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
By April Galloway and Christine Scott.

Resources on the web

WWII tree disease
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about the debate over the unintended consequences of military invasions. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Why civilizations fall
In this lesson, part of a two-lesson series from Science NetLinks, students find out about the social changes that caused the collapse of important ancient civilizations in Central America, Mesopotamia, the southwestern United States, and western Africa. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 Science and Social Studies)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Postcards from the edge: Endangered species
Students learn about endangered species in the United States, some of the reasons they are endangered (e.g. habitat destruction or the introduction of invasive species), and what is being done to protect them. Students will choose one species to focus on and... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Phytoplankton and ocean color
Students will identify function of phytoplankton in the biosphere by conducting experiments and simulations and reading for information. Students will also detect the presence of phytoplankton in bodies of water by examining ocean color in satellite images... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: NOAA Coral Reef Watch
Periodical cicada survival
In this lesson, from Science NetLinks, students explore defense mechanisms involved in predatory/prey relationships. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Passenger pigeons: Nomads lost
This Science NetLinks lesson is aimed at helping students understand the concept and implications of extinction using the example of the passenger pigeon, once an extremely abundant species that was completely eliminated by humans. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Invasive species
In this Xpeditions lesson, students investigate species relocation and the effect it has on the environment. They then outline arguments for and against human manipulation of other species. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Fuel-saving speed
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about the ideal vehicle speed for the best fuel efficiency. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Disappearing fish
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about why the world's biggest fish are in serious jeopardy. Commercial fishing has decimated the numbers and sizes of big fish like marlin, tuna, cod, and grouper, which in turn has changed the nature... (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Are hammerheads a keystone species?
In this lesson, from Xpeditions, students learn what a keystone species is and then draw a simple food chain that helps illustrate why tiger sharks are considered a keystone species in Shark Bay. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 and 8 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Aquatic invaders
Students explore the ways that native species interact in a healthy Chesapeake Bay. They will then learn about some of the ways that exotic or invasive species can threaten the balance of the ecosystem. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic