CFRE has a variety of activities and lessons to support educators to meet learning goals. Each lesson includes multiple activities that can stand alone or be used together to investigate an overarching phenomenon. Lessons are designed to integrate multiple subject areas and include standards for each as appropriate.
The following activities and lessons are focused on invasive species and grouped by grade bands.
Students model the relationship between invasive and native mussels by demonstrating the feeding characteristics of each species and how this impacts their survival rates.
Mussel Madness Model Activity Outline
Example Mussel Madness Model Data Sheet
Students practice observation skills using a photo “bingo” card to explore and identify species around school property.
Schoolyard Plant Bingo Activity Outline
MEECS 10 tips for taking students outdoorss
After surveying and/or researching their geographic area, students will create informational signage to alert people of unwanted contact or unintentional spreading of invasive species near their home, school, or community.
Warning Signs Activity Outline
Warning Signs Student Guide Teacher Example
Warning Signs Example Poster 1
Warning Signs Example Poster 2
Three Shores CISMA-10 Invasive Species in the Eastern Upper Peninsula
Invasive vs Native Species (PowerPoint resource)
In these activities, students research invasive species, their history in the Great Lakes region, spread/movement to various locations, and impact on ecosystems, economies, or human health. Students will use technology to learn more about an invasive species and plot locations on Great Lakes Basin maps to visualize the spread of the species.
Mapping the Spread Activity Outline
Student Project Overview PowerPoint
Mapping the Spread Student Activity Sheet
Mapping the Spread Teacher Key_ Eurasian Ruffe
Mapping the Spread Teacher Key_ Eurasian Watermilfoil
Mapping the Spread Teacher Key_ European frog-bit
Mapping the Spread Teacher Key_ Purple loosestrife
Mapping the Spread Teacher Key_ Sea Lamprey
Buckthorn Invasion Model Activity Outline
Buckthorn Invasion Model Introductory Presentation
Buckthorn Invasion Model Introductory Presentation PowerPoint
Buckthorn Invasion Model pictures
Buckthorn Invasion Model pictures
Sea Lamprey Sampler Activity Outline
Sea Lamprey Sampler Presentation Rubric
Sea Lamprey Sampler Presentations Note Sheet Teacher Key
Sea Lamprey Sampler Presentations Note Sheet
CFRE offers a variety of field trip programs for preK-12th grade students to support what you are doing in the classroom. Search our list of program offerings.
CFRE offers a variety of field trip programs for preK-12th grade students to support what you are doing in the classroom. Search our list of program offerings