Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the biodiversity of Big Island, Hawaii, and the impact of human interaction on its wildlife, including threatened, native, invasive, and helpful species.
Materials and Prep
- Internet access for research
- Pen and paper for note-taking
- No prior knowledge required
Activities
- Research Project: Choose one threatened, one native, one invasive, and one helpful species found on Big Island. Research their characteristics, habitats, and the impact of human interaction on them.
- Virtual Field Trip: Explore online resources to virtually visit different habitats on Big Island and observe the wildlife. Take notes on the diversity of species you encounter.
- Role-Play: Pretend to be a conservationist giving a presentation on the importance of protecting the unique wildlife on Big Island. Highlight the role of each type of species in the ecosystem.
Talking Points
- Threatened Species: "Threatened species are those at risk of becoming endangered due to factors like habitat loss and climate change."
- Native Species: "Native species are plants and animals that naturally occur in a particular region and play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance."
- Invasive Species: "Invasive species are non-native organisms that disrupt the local ecosystem, outcompeting native species for resources."
- Helpful Species: "Helpful species, also known as keystone species, have a disproportionate impact on their environment, influencing the survival of other species."
- Human Interaction: "Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and introduction of non-native species can have detrimental effects on the wildlife of Big Island."