Case Study: Moose (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-ESS2-7. Construct an argument based on evidence about the simultaneous coevolution of Earth’s systems and life on Earth.
 

AP® Environmental Science Learning Objectives:
1.2 Describe the global distribution and principal environmental aspects of terrestrical biomes. 
2.1 Explain levels of biodiversity and their importance to ecosystems.
2.4 Describe ecological tolerance.
2.5 Explain how natural disruptions, both short- and long-term, impact an ecosystem.
2.6 Describe how organisms adapt to their environment. 
2.7 Describe ecological succession. Describe the effect of ecological succession on ecosystems.
3.1 Identify differences between generalist and specialist species.
3.2 Identify difference between K- and r-selected species.
3.3 Explain survivorship curves.
3.4 Describe carrying capacity. Describe the impact of carrying capacity on ecosystems.
3.5 Explain how resource availability affects population growth. 
 

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

IB Environmental Systems Learning Objectives:
2.1.6 Define the terms species, population, habitat, niche, community and ecosystem with reference to local examples. 
2.1.7 Describe and explain population interactions using examples of named species. 
2.4.2 Explain the distribution, structure and relative productivity of tropical rainforests, deserts, tundra and any other biomes. 
2.6.1 Explain the concepts of limiting factors and carrying capacity in the context of population growth. 
2.6.3 Describe the role of density-dependent and density-independent factors, and interal and external factors, in the regulation of populations.  
2.6.4 Describe the principles associated with survivorship curves including, K- and r- strategists. 
2.6.5 Describe the concept and process of succession in a named habitat. 
2.6.6 Explain the changes in energy flow, gross and net productivity, diversity and mineral cycling in different stages of succession. 
4.1.5 Explain the relationships among ecosystem stability, diversity, succession and habitat.

 

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