Summer SAVY, Session 5 Day 2, Invasive Species (7th-8th)
Dear family and future invasive species experts,
Another information-packed day! We first introduced ourselves to new classmates, increasing our networking skills with people of similar interests. Today we focused on honing our awareness of the nature of native, non-native, and invasive species, along with an introduction to different nutrient cycles. We ventured out into the Peabody arboretum where the students led a tree talk after doing in-depth research about a tree species of their choosing. We learned about how to differentiate different trees by using their leaves and other characteristics. The students also shared numerous facts about the cultural and economic significance of certain trees. Most of the trees were non-native but did not cause harm, so they were not invasive. We also discussed various mechanisms for invasion that we saw in plants around campus. This included different ivies, clovers, and honeysuckle. We also talked about the Tree of Heaven on the Vanderbilt campus.
Following this nature walk, we went over multiple types of nutrient cycling (carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous), and the various functions of each of these elements. For most of the students, this was their first time discussing these important mechanisms of reusing nutrients. They brainstormed ways humans impact nutrient cycling. We then recapped everything we learned by filling in the different nutrient cycling diagrams together. The students picked up this information quickly!
Once we gained an understanding of how nutrients move through ecosystems, we talked about how invasive species disrupt these paths. Here, we talked more about the water cycle, reviewing what we already knew about the different ways water moves through the earth. We looked at specific case studies with zebra mussels and kudzu, discussing the different ways they impact the environment, specifically soil and oxygen levels, around them. We then talked about sustainability challenges when it comes to invasive species and reviewed the importance of education and awareness on these topics.
We ended the day with journaling reflection. I continue to emphasize how important it is to think about how you learn. Some students definitely struggle to reflect on the day but it will help make them a better student when they understand their own thought processes!
Some questions to ask your students:
- Ask them about their tree! How to identify it, any fun facts, etc.
- What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis or respiration, and which cycle is it important for? What organism is responsible for nitrogen fixation?
- What are some potential positives about invasive species we discussed?
Best wishes,
Grace Harvey