The Balance of Life: Understanding Ecosystem Dynamics through the Carolina Heelsplitter
Grade(s):
- 9
- 10
- 11
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Access to Laptops for research
Access to method for presenting information to peers such as Smartboard
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Lesson Progression
Engage
- Begin with What's Wild video showcasing South Carolina's freshwater ecosystems and the Carolina Heelsplitter. Follow the video with a brief discussion on the importance of these ecosystems and the role of the heelsplitter.
- Prompt Questions:
- What are some interactions that occur in a freshwater ecosystem?
- How do changes in the environment impact species living in these ecosystems?
- What are some interactions that occur in a freshwater ecosystem?
Explore
Group Activity: Divide students into small groups (no more than 3) and provide them with research article about Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Carolina Heelsplitter from the Fish and Wildlife Service. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2002/07/02/02-16580/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-designation-of-critical-habitat-for-the-carolina
Assign each group a different heading of the article to be responsible for becoming the expert on the content under that heading. The group will be responsible for presenting that information to the class in a manner in which they choose. Explain to each group they are identifying the claims, evidence, and reasoning within this article and should only highlight impertinent information related to CER within their designated section.
Distribution, Habitat, and Life History
Reasons for Decline and Threats to Surviving Populations
Previous Federal Actions
Summary of Comments and Recommendations
Critical Habitat
Methods
Primary Constituent Elements
Critical Habitat Designation
Effects of Critical Habitat Designation
Economic Analysis
Required Determinations (to unfunded mandates reform act)
Takings (until end of article)
Explain
- Class Discussion: Bring the groups back together to share their findings. Facilitate a discussion analyzing the claims and evidence presented in their research.
- Concept Introduction: Introduce the concept of ecosystem stability and change, explaining how stable conditions maintain consistent populations, while changing conditions can lead to new ecosystems. Use diagrams to illustrate these concepts.
Elaborate
Each group should choose an ecosystem in South Carolina to evaluate the complex interactions in the specific ecosystem. Students should identify any changes that have occurred in the past 10 years to that ecosystem to include but not limited to natural hazards, pollution, commercialization, etc. After identifying the changes within that ecosystem, students should evaluate how these changes affected the ecosystem in terms of the types of organisms that now live within that ecosystem. Students should also identify if there has been a reduction or increase in numbers of specific types of organisms within that system due to changes that have occurred within that ecosystem.
The following research banks for South Carolina water/land/wildlife will be useful in assisting students in their research:
- https://sc-department-of-health-and-environmental-control-gis-sc-dhec.hub.arcgis.com/pages/data
- https://natural-heritage-program-scdnr.hub.arcgis.com/#track
- https://waterdata.usgs.gov/sc/nwis/current/?type=qw
Evaluate
- Assessment: Evaluate students based on their ability to evaluate claims, evidence, and reasoning that complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
- Reflection: Have students write a short reflection on what they learned about the interactions in ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts for species like the Carolina Heelsplitter.
Carolina Heelsplitter | What's Wild
South Carolina's freshwater ecosystems are a lifeline for countless species, providing clean water, habitat, and a delicate balance essential for biodiversity. In these serene waters, the Carolina...
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