Curated OER
Zebra Mussels
In this zebra mussels learning exercise, 7th graders read an article about zebra mussel populations in United States' lakes and rivers. Students read about the negative effects and some positive results and then answer several questions...
Curated OER
Zebra Mussel Population Simulation
Students are taught how to format and enter data into an Excel spreadsheet. They make a graph, and interpret graphed data. Students discuss the possible impacts of zebra mussels on the Hudson river. They graph zebra mussel data.
Curated OER
The Mussels Are Coming
Students work together to identify and describe the various types of mussels. Using a color-coded system, they plot the arrival date of zebra mussels in North American waters. They discuss the increase in their population with the class.
Curated OER
Zebra Mussels and Water Pollution
Research the proliferation of zebra mussels and their effects on local bodies of water. The class obtains zebra mussels and examines them, identifying their basic structures. They brainstorm ways the mussel may have been introduced to...
Curated OER
The Mighty Hudson Stretches its Mussels
Students brainstorm possible causes of zebra mussel migration and population expansion. They identify the key causes and effects of the disturbance of the Hudson River ecosystem and research causes and effects in the disturbances of...
Curated OER
Invasive Mussels
In this ecology worksheet, students study a fact sheet on invasive mussels. They answer 8 short answer questions about it after reading the provided information.
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Great Lakes Ecology
Eighth graders identify the Great Lakes, and describe the habitat of life of a loon. They are able to point to and explain one of the major river systems that enters the Great Lakes with a focus on the Clinton River and the food webs...
Curated OER
Mussel Your Way Through Photosynthesis
Students, using zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), elodea and an indicator dye, observe and record the role of light in photosynthesis. They consider plant production of carbon dioxide and the use of live materials in biological...
Curated OER
Impact of Exotic Species on Lake Ecology
Students examine the effect of foreign species on various habitats. In groups, they identify the population dynamics of the zebra mussel. They calculate averages and graph data from Seneca Lake in New York. They develop hypothesis...
Curated OER
Alien Invaders: An Invasive Species Game
Students are introduced to invasive species and how they affect the ecosystems they now occur in. They explore the basic life histories of several invasive species that are of regional and or national importance. Pupils investigate how...
Curated OER
Traverse City Trouble Makers
Students investigate how to become advocates in an authentic environmental issue, in this case the invasion of the zebra mussel invasion of the Great Lakes. They complete graphic organizers during Internet research, while reading...
Biology Junction
Mollusks
Mollusks created every shell on Earth. Young scientists learn more about the phyllum mollusca in an informative presentation. It covers their characteristics, body plans, and relationships in the ecosystem. Then, it details each class of...
Curated OER
Salmon and the Non-Native Species
Students investigate the affect of non-native species on Pacific Salmon. In this non-native species and Pacific Salmon lesson, students participate in a competition and habitat loss game. They play the game in groups, while answering...
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Non Native Species: English Ivy-Landscape Plant or Deadly Killer?
Students study the impact that invasive species have on biodiversity and more natural areas.
Curated OER
Great Lakes Ecology
Young scholars are able to use a secchi disk to measure the turbidity of water by determining the depth at which the sechi disk is no longer visible and using the data in a formula to quantify the results. They are able to use Vernier...
Curated OER
Web of Life Game
Students participate in a web of life game. After reviewing new vocabulary, they play each round of the game and discuss the changes that occured in the last round. They are to survive in the game as long as possible given the...
Curated OER
Are You Getting Thirsty?
Students study droughts and how they affect communities and coastal ecosystems. In this ecosystems lesson students use data to examine drought conditions in certain areas.
Other
Zebra Mussel Page: Zebra Mussel Slide Show
Click through the whole slide show to find basic information on zebra mussels, how they live, the problems they can cause, and possible solutions.
Read Works
Read Works: Passages: "Zebra Mussels and the Hudson River"
[Free Registration/Login Required] The information passage "Zebra Mussels and the Hudson River" focuses on the Hudson River ecosystem and how the introduction of Zebra Mussels would impact it. A Step Read, an easier version of the...
Other
Wayne State University: Zebra Mussel Faq
A lot of good information can be found in this question/answer session on zebra mussels.
Environmental Education for Kids
Eek!: Alien Profile: Zebra Mussel
Learn how the zebra mussel first came to North America, how it spreads, how to identify it, where to find it, the damage it causes, and what can be done to fight this invasive species.
US Geological Survey
U.s Geological Survey: Frequently Asked Questions About the Zebra Mussel
Are zebra mussels edible? What do they eat? How big do they get? These are just a few examples of the types of questions that are answered in this thorough site.
University of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute: Zebra Mussel Watch
This site from the Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute provides a look at the invasion of US waters by zebra mussels.
US Geological Survey
U.s Geological Survey: Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (Nas): Zebra Mussel
A detailed site that describes the physical characteristics of the zebra mussel, provides a map that depicts the native range of this shellfish, discusses the means of introduction into our country, and delves into the impact of this...