Case Study: North American Elk (Teacher & Student Edition)

ZIP file containing 2 PDF files 
(1 Teacher Edition and 1 Student Edition)

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
HS-LS2-1. Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales.
HS-LS2-2. Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
HS-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.
HS-LS2-7. Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
HS-LS4-6. Create or revise a simulation to test a solution to mitigate adverse impacts of human activity on biodiversity.

 

AP® Environmental Science Learning Objectives:
1.1 Explain how the availability of resources influences species interactions.
1.8 Explain how solar energy is acquired and transferred by living organisms.
1.9 Explain how energy flows and matter cycles through trophic levels.
2.1 Explain levels of biodiversity and their importance to ecosystems.
1.11 Describe food chains and food webs, and their constituent members by trophic level. 
5.10 Describe the effects of urbanization on the environment.
9.9 Explain how species become endangered and strategies to combat the problem.
9.10 Explain how human activities affect biodiversity and strategies to combat the problem.

AP® Environmental Science Practices:
Practice 1: Explain environmental concepts, processes, and models presented in written format. 
Practice 2: Analyze visual representations of environmental concepts and processes. 
Practice 3: Analyze sources of information about environmental issues.  
Practice 4: Analyze research studies that test environmental principles.  
Practice 5: Analyze and interpret quantitative data represented in tables, charts, and graphs.
Practice 6: Apply quantitative methods to address environmental concepts.
Practice 7: Propose and justify solutions to environmental problems. 

IB® Environmental Systems Learning Objectives:
2.1.2 Define trophic level.
2.1.3 Identify and explain trophic levels in food chains and food webs selected from the local environment.
2.1.7 Describe and explain population interactions using examples of named species.
2.5.1 Explain the role of producers, consumers, and decomposers in the ecosystem.
2.5.3 Describe and explain the transfer and transformation of energy as it flows through an ecosystem.
2.5.4 Describe and explain the transfer and transformation of materials as they cycle within an ecosystem.
4.2.1 Identify factors that lead to loss of diversity.
4.2.4 Describe and explain the factors that may make species more or less prone to extinction.
4.3.1 State the arguments for preserving species and habitats.
4.3.2 Compare and contrast the role and activities of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity.
7.1.6 Justify your personal viewpoint on environmental issues.

AP® is a registered trademark registered by the College Board®. IB® is a trademark registered by the International Baccalaureate Organization®. This work/product/service has been developed independently from and is not endorsed by the College Board® or the International Baccalaureate Organization®.