Inquiry Questions for Students

• Where does roadkill go? (Content goal- How does a food chain work?)
• What if there were no bees? (Content goal- What happens when one part of a food chain disappears? What happens if an species resurges?)
• How should we (state and local agencies) manage species? (Content goal- What impact do efforts by state and local agencies have on certain species?)

NGSS Standards Addressed

• 5-PS3.D Students will understand that when animals “use” energy (e.g., to move around), most often the energy is transferred to the surrounding environment. The main source of energy is from the sun.
• 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.
• 5-LS1-1: Support an argument that plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water.
• 5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
• 5-LS2.A: Food of almost any kind of animal can be traced back to plants. Organisms are related in food webs in which some animals eat plants for food and other animals eat the animals that eat plants. Either way, they are “consumers.” Some organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead organisms (both plants or plants parts and animals) and therefore operate as “decomposers.” Decomposition eventually restores (recycles) some materials back to the soil for plants to use. A healthy ecosystem is one in which multiple species of different types are each able to meet their needs in a relatively stable web of life. Newly introduced species can damage the balance of an ecosystem.

CCSS Standards Addressed

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.A

Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which ideas are logically grouped to support the writer's purpose.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.B

Provide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.D

Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.

ISTE Standards Addressed

• 1b Students build networks and customize their learning environments in ways that support the learning process.
• 3a Students plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits.
• 3d Students build knowledge by actively exploring real-world issues and problems, developing ideas and theories and pursuing answers and solutions.
• 4d Students exhibit a tolerance for ambiguity, perseverance and the capacity to work with open-ended problems.