A chipmunk eating a berry on a tree branch
3-5

Throughout history, people have intentionally and unintentionally moved plant and animal species to new environments. Some of these species caused no harm in their new environment, but others have invaded natural ecosystems, causing environmental, and sometimes economic, harm. In this activity, students research invasive species to determine their impact on ecosystems and what characteristics make them so challenging.

teachers choice award logo 2019

Project Learning Tree’s Energy in Ecosystems curriculum for grades 3-5 won a 2019 Teachers’ Choice Award for the Classroom from Learning Magazine!

Learner Objectives

  • Research an invasive species that is a problem in local ecosystems.
  • Describe how invasive species impact the flow of energy in ecosystems.
  • Create a method to inform the community about the problems associated with invasive species and how to prevent their spread.