Junior+Explorers

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The Junior Explorers program is an award-winning, blended-learning program that is aligned with NGSS standards. It includes science learning based on facts researched by our team of science teachers and experts.

Our Mission Everglades kit includes a physical adventure kit, our online experience, and a general lesson guide. In this kit, we'll learn about the Everglades ecosystem and the key conservation challenge it faces from the Burmese Python, an invasive species threatening the American Alligators and the entire ecosystem.

To access your mission, head to www.JuniorExplorers.com/Login and click “Kids Click Here.” When prompted for a secret code, use the “Forgot code” tool. Username: Ramm Password: explore

Unit Overview Through this unit on Junior Explorers Mission Everglades, you will partake on an adventure to protect the natural habitat of the Floridian Everglades from an invasive species, the Burmese Python. Add what you remember about the Burmese Python from our earlier work in Life Science to our Today's Meet link.

You will explore the reasons why invasive species are disruptive to their host environments, and will understand the symbiotic relationship that sustains a healthy ecosystem.



= = =Use these resources for our follow-up work.= == =Our Objectives:= =* You will be able to articulate the difference between native/invasive species through the construction of a systems chain and identifying how it is disrupted by the invasive species.= =* You will be able to collect and analyze research through the use of data organizational tools, and apply knowledge to create a solution for the invasive species problem.=

=Procedure= = = =Intro|Field Journal • What’s an example of a chain reaction of events in your life?=

I went to bed late > mom was tired > mom woke up late > mom forgot to pack me lunch > no lunch for me!
=• What happens when you remove one factor in the food chain, how is the outcome different? If you implement a solution, where along the food chain would it be most effective?= = = =Activities & Discussions|Mission= =• Locate and share personal knowledge about the Everglades= =• Define native/invasive species, and compare/contrast attributes of the Burmese Python & American Alligator= =• Develop a systems chain using the Animal Cards to collect data on the hierarchy of creatures in the Everglades ecosystem= =• Identify where/why the Burmese python is on the systems chain and analyze how each creature’s experience is changed= =• Define predator/prey, and explain how that relationship is different between Key Deer and Florida Panther versus the Burmese Python and American Alligator=

=Assessment: Choose one= =• Solution Engineers Provide solutions to containing the invasive population. Create policy and laws to put those ideas into actions. Establish community initiatives and organizations.=

=• PR/Advertising: Develop an awareness campaign to be distributed to community through various media (advertising, PR announcement, flyers, soundbites for radio and news, etc.)= =Closure Relevance|Field Journal=

=• What are some other examples of invasive species disrupting ecosystems around the world (toads in Australia, beetles in U.S.)=

=• What role do we play as humans in disrupting ecosystems?=