Adaptations/ Evolution
What are the internal/external characteristics of species that make them successful invaders?
Why aren't "invasive" species problems where they evolved?
Are all invasive species created equally? Do invasive plants make more of an impact than invasive insects?
What is here in my community?
What is it doing?
Why is it doing this?
What is it's impact?
What would change in our community if an invasive species were to arrive?
Vectors/ Species Movement
How is human migration similar to invasive species?
How do human migration patterns influence patterns of species movement?
(Rabbit Proof Fence)
("white man's footprint")
(Green crabs from ME to CA)
(Immigration hubs across the globe have high incidences of non-native and invasive species)
What pathways do/can species use to move species from one place to another?
How does the impact of vectors vary in marine and terrestrial systems?
Which vectors have the greatest impact?
Which could be the most easily addressed?
Based on the current location of X species, would we expect that species would be here and why?
How vulnerable is X place to a non-native/invasive species introduction?
Service Learning! (Opportunity to frame as challenges)
Public education campaigns (newpaper, PSA)
Management or eradication efforts already going on in your community
Experimental cuts
Present what you're doing to your local community
Recruit another school or organization in your area to collect Vital Signs data
Quality of Life
How do invasive species impact the recreation and activities that WE like to do or do everyday?
What are their favorite organisms? What are threats to its well-being?
How does a changing habitat impact the species that I hunt and fish for?
Make it real - screaming frog from Hawaii. Listen to the frog sound at the correct, very loud decibel level.
Math
What are the ratio of native to invasive species in your community?
Are the stands of X native plant and Y invasive plant the same? Different?
Are the populations of X native crab and Y native crab the same? Are they changing over time?
Biodiversity
Which is a greater threat to biodiversity? Habitat loss or invasive species?
Where are the endangered species in my community? What are the threats?
