Learn about the structure and function of living organisms by drawing an imaginary animal in the Take the Stage game show, ANIMAL SURVIVAL! Viewers become contestants on a game show and are challenged to draw an imaginary animal that could live and survive in either the desert, ocean, or the arctic tundra. When drawing the imaginary animal, the contestants write out two distinct structures and a function for each of the structures that help it survive. Learning Objective: Compare the structures and functions of different species that help them live and survive in a specific environment.

This 9-minute video lesson discusses what a species is and isn't. It considers ligers, tiglons, mule, hinnies, and dogs. [Biology playlist: Lesson 61 of 71].

Select a tree to study and determine its species. Visit the Tree Benefits website (http://www.treebenefits.com) to determine the ecological services that your selected tree provides.

Species extinction is happening at an alarming rate according to scientists. In this lesson, students are asked to consider why extinction is a problem that we should concern us. They are taught that destruction of habitat is the main reason many species are threatened. The lesson explores ways that engineers can help save endangered species.

This Grade 6 Science assignment allows students to demonstrate their knowledge of behaviours and adaptations and create their own new species of animal.

This activity illustrates the interrelationship between science and engineering in the context of extinction prevention. There are two parts to the activity. The first part challenges students to think like scientists as they generate reports on endangered species and give presentations worthy of a news channel or radio broadcast. The second part puts students in the shoes of engineers, designing ways to help the endangered species.

This resource includes a downloadable board game that allows students to explore exotic species—how they can impact natural areas and how our actions affect their control and spread.

Prior to playing the game, groups of students are provided with a ‘Backgrounder’ that explains the term exotic and introduces the important issues to consider. Each group develops a concept map based on their discussion that will contribute to a class map.

In playing the game students roll dice and move across the game board toward the Great Lakes. They earn points at various ‘stops’ by correctly answering questions related to invasive species. Game card questions provide information on a range of important aspects related to the introduction, impact and control of exotics. The goal is to collect the most points by the time all players have reached the finish line/square or time expires.

Access the game board at this link: https://resources4rethinking.ca/media/RivalForSurvivalGameboard.pdf

Also check out "Don't Stop for Hitchhikers", a supplementary activity where students simulate a lake ecosystem by taking on the role of its inhabitants. Students assume the identities of both native and non-native species to physically demonstrate what occurs to the habitat and its resources as exotic plants and animals are introduced into the environment. Through the use of props and a written script, students learn the means by which non-native species enter freshwater systems, how they negatively affect the environment and how they can be stopped. Access this activity here: https://seagrant.sunysb.edu/greatlakes-edu/pdfs/AIS/DontStopForHitchhikers.pdf

Students experience civil and environmental engineering by planning a housing development in an existing biome, while also protecting the native species that live there. They conduct research, draw plans, make brochures and give presentations, with each team having a member serving as a project manager, civil engineer, environmental engineer and graphic designer. The best designs creatively balance the needs and resources necessary to support both the native species and human infrastructure.

Students perform a macroinvertebrate survey to gauge the health of a local river. They collect water samples and count macroinvertebrates to learn how the health of a river's ecosystem can be determined by its river insect population.