Lesson Plan for Jill Nation

Title:
Coachella Valley Species Debate (10/16-11/1/13)

NGSS Standard:
HS-LS2-6: Students who demonstrate understanding can evaluate the claims, evidence and
reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers
and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new
ecosystem.

Content Objective:
Students will identify behaviors that can prevent the spread of invasive species in the Coachella
Valley.

Language Objective:
Students will use complete sentences and correct scientic vocabulary to explain what they
observe.

Anticipatory Set:
Dene Invasive Species. Have students take Big Idea notes in their notebooks.

Direct Instruction:
Introduce the project: https://sites.google.com/a/psusd.us/coachella-valley-species-debate/.
Show them the examples from the VT project: https://sites.google.com/a/colchestersd.org/
vermont-invasive-species/. Have students choose one Invasive Species from the list to focus
on for the project.

Guided Practice:
We will visit the library four times (10/17, 24, 25, and 29) for the students to compile their
research and build their projects. Research Sources due by the end of the day, 10/25/13. Final
Projects due by the end of the day, 11/1/13.

Closure:
Google Hangouts meeting with Colchester Middle School periods 2 and 3, 11/22/13.

Independent Practice:
Students are expected to work on their assignments outside of school, as well as during the
library time provided.


Last rev. 11/22/13 jn