This simulation was created as a result of a science methods assignment and is something I’m looking forward to using in my own classroom.
The goal of this simulation is to educate students on the problem of invasive species as well as the real-world issues of ecology and conservation (ie: politics, big business, profits, etc.)
Students are placed into groups of three and given envelopes with a name-tag, an explanation of their role, and information about their point of view. Students must role-play and discuss which species to highlight in the pilot episode of a cutting-edge reality show: “Invaders.” Students must take into account a number of things: the danger of the invasive species to the native species, the motive of the individuals (an ecologist will have a different motive than the CEO), and the public opinion of the pilot episode.
For more information including lesson plans, instruction sheet, assessment, as well as a storyboard assignment that can be used to elaborate the concept and evoke student creativity, please see attached documents.
thescienceteacher 