Conserving the Gopher Tortoise

Essential Question

Knowledge and Understanding: Students will grasp the ecological roles of turtles and tortoises as keystone species, with a focus on the gopher tortoise in the sandhills ecosystem

Critical Thinking and Analysis: Students will analyze the impact of habitat loss and fragmentation on the sandhills region, connecting these factors to the endangerment of species like the gopher tortoise.

Application of Knowledge: Students will apply their understanding of conservation strategies by evaluating the methods used in the South Carolina gopher tortoise project. 

Collaboration and Communication: Through group activities, students will collaboratively design a conservation plan, demonstrating effective communication of their ideas and understanding.

Success Criteria:

1. Knowledge and Understanding: Students can explain the ecological roles of turtles and tortoises, emphasizing the keystone species concept.

2. Critical Thinking and Analysis:

   • Students can analyze the impact of habitat loss and fragmentation on biodiversity, specifically focusing on the gopher tortoise in the sandhills ecosystem.

3. Application of Knowledge:

   • Students can describe and evaluate the conservation strategies employed in the South Carolina gopher tortoise project.

4. Collaboration and Communication:

   • Students can collaboratively design a conservation plan, incorporating habitat needs, potential threats, and community involvement.
   • Each group can effectively present their conservation plan to the class, demonstrating clear communication and understanding.