Stage 1 Desired Results

Unit 3: Bioindicators A.E.H.	Pacing: 5 weeks
*Stage 1 Desired Results*
Established Goals: LS 2-2 Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales. LS2-6 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. LS2-7 Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.	Transfer
	Students will be able to independently use their learning to…. Explain how bioindicator species are utilized for determining current and past environmental conditions existing in the forested landscape. Recognize the limitations of particular species and necessitate use of several species as bioindicators for accurately determining impact(s) of environmental changes. Understand how bioindicators are ideal for engaging citizen scientists in short-term and long-term monitoring of environmental health.
	*Meaning*
	Understandings Students will understand… Bioindicators are regularly exposed to environmental pollutants Sessile organisms ubiquitously distributed throughout the area (local, regional, etc.) are ideal species for assessing impacts Topography and microclimates must be taken into account in selecting data collection sites	Essential Questions Students will keep considering… Why are bioindicator species useful for determining environmental health? Why is utilizing more than one bioindicator species important for understanding the environmental health of an area? How is understanding the dispersal of local and regional pollutants sources connected to bioindicator species? How are geographic and topographic factors influential on the environmental health of an area?
	*Acquisition*
	Students will know… Vocabulary on describing / assessing environment health / quality with bioindicator species Recognize various types of sessile bioindicator species Identify impacts of environmental conditions on bioindicator species Impacts of geographic and topographic on degree / presence of pollutants in an area	Students will be skilled at… Identifying several types of bioindicator species focusing on particular tree species and lichens. Construct field quadrants / plots for monitoring short term and long term environmental impacts Identifying and describing abiotic site conditions that potentially impact bioindicator species found Conduct field sampling (cuttings, coring or photographing) collecting for developing a baseline and using available atmospheric data in studying samples

Resources

Curriculum Writer(s): Joseph Lanier