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Notes for teachers

This lesson is meant for schools where they are heavily impacted by buffelgrass or have access to areas where there is buffelgrass. Students will need to be able to survey the land. Students will also need to have proper outdoor gear to protect themselves. Ensure that students are aware of and follow safety guidelines during the field survey. If Buffelgrass is known to be in a specific area with potential hazards, avoid sending students to that location. Always prioritize the safety of students and adhere to school policies and regulations.This lesson will take place over 3 class periods depending on the time of your classes.

List of Materials

Field guides/Notes for Buffelgrass identification. https://www.nps.gov/sagu/learn/nature/upload/How-to-ID-buffelgrass-Final.pdf
Notebooks, pencils, and clipboards for each student.
Cameras or smartphones for documentation.
Maps of the local area(school).
Safety gear, such as hats, sunscreen, and water bottles.
Laptop/tablet/phone
App or website for Mapping

https://uagis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/OnePane/basicviewer/index.html?appid=bcbdeebdf0234b96a93e04f18b89b7b3

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Standards

Language Arts

Reading Standards for Informational Text

9-10.RI.7 Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums (e.g., a person’s life story in both print and multimedia), determining which

details are emphasized in each account.

Production and Distribution of Writing

9-10.W.6 Use technology, including the internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's

capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.

Standards

Life Science – L4: The unity and diversity of organisms, living and extinct, is the result of evolution.

Essential HS.L4U1.27

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate evidence that describes how changes in frequency of inherited traits in a population can lead to biological diversity.

Essential HS.L4U1.28

Gather, evaluate, and communicate multiple lines of empirical evidence to explain the mechanisms of biological evolution.

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Objectives:

Today students will be able to explain what an invasive species is and how an invasive species can alter their ecosystem. By doing a close reading and discussing local invasive species in small groups.
Students will develop the ability to accurately identify Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare), discerning its distinct features from the surrounding flora in Southern Arizona.
Students will gain an understanding of the ecological consequences associated with Buffelgrass invasion, comprehending its impact on the balance and biodiversity of the local ecosystem.
Through active engagement, students will participate in a field survey, applying their knowledge to identify and document the presence of Buffelgrass in the vicinity of their high school.

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Agenda Day 1

Introduction (30 minutes):

Give a quick introduction to invasive species and how they affect regional ecosystems.
Introduce Buffelgrass, explaining its origin, characteristics, and the threat it poses to native flora.
CLOSE Reading: Have students read and analyze the following in small groups. “The Fight to Save Saguaros” and Sierrita Fights Back Against Buffelgrass

Pre-Field Survey(20 minutes):

Review Buffelgrass identification using field guides or online resources.
Discuss safety precautions for the field survey, emphasizing awareness of surroundings and potential hazards.

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

Driving Question: How can we, as informed and responsible citizens, contribute to the early detection and management of Buffelgrass in our local ecosystem to protect the biodiversity and resilience of Southern Arizona's natural environment?

Give a quick introduction to invasive species and how they affect regional ecosystems.
Introduce Buffelgrass, explaining its origin, characteristics, and the threat it poses to native flora.
CLOSE Reading: Have students read and analyze the following in small groups. “The Fight to Save Saguaros” and Sierrita Fights Back Against Buffelgrass

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The Fight to Save Saguaros

https://www.nps.gov/sagu/learn/nature/upload/16-Saguaro-NP-Fight-to-Save-the-Saguaro-Final.pdf

Sierrita Fights Back Against Buffelgrass

https://www.fcx.com/freeport-features/062821

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Agenda Day 2

Field Survey (40 minutes)

Divide students into small groups and provide each group with field guides, laptop/tablet, and maps.
Instruct students to explore the area surrounding the high school, paying special attention to open spaces, disturbed areas, and the base of trees.
Encourage students to document the location, density, and any observable impacts of Buffelgrass on the local vegetation.
Remind students to take photographs if possible for later analysis.

Data Compilation and Analysis (30 minutes)

Discussion and reconvene in the classroom and have each group share their findings.
Create a collaborative class record of Buffelgrass sightings on a map or chart.
Discuss the potential ecological consequences of Buffelgrass invasion in the local ecosystem.

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Day 2: Survey the Land

Students will survey the area surrounding their school in small groups. They will then use their tablets/laptops/phone to input the location and any other important facts about the buffelgrass by using the Mapping system below. Please make sure the location is turned on for the device the students are using.

App or website for Mapping

https://uagis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/OnePane/basicviewer/index.html?appid=bcbdeebdf0234b96a93e04f18b89b7b3

For Specific Points, Lines or Polygons

Tap Edit (pencil icon) or Collect Features
Tap the style of feature you would like to draw
Fill in the appropriate fields
Tap collect location and draw feature by tap a point for a single point or a series of points for a line or polygon
Tap on Save (disk icon) or the check mark to finish

Editor Key for Mapping

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Agenda Day 3

Discussion and Reflection (30 minutes):

Facilitate a discussion on the importance of early detection and eradication of invasive species.
Ask students to reflect on the challenges and benefits of conducting a field survey.
Discuss potential mitigation strategies for controlling Buffelgrass.
Make a brochure encouraging for the community explaining initiatives to address the issue and potential solutions for removing invasive species such as Buffelgrass in their community. Use Canva.com to make the brochure. (Homework)

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Divide students into small groups and provide each group with field guides, laptops/tablet/phone, and maps.
Instruct students to explore the area surrounding the high school, paying special attention to open spaces, disturbed areas, and the base of trees.
Encourage students to document the location, density, and any observable impacts of Bufflegrass on the local vegetation.
Remind students to take photographs if possible for later analysis.
Instructions for Mapping: https://www.desertmuseum.org/buffelgrass/map_instructions.php#instructions
Buffelgrass Survey Map: https://uagis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/OnePane/basicviewer/index.html?appid=bcbdeebdf0234b96a93e04f18b89b7b3

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Assessment

Evaluate student participation during the field survey.
Assess the quality and accuracy of the data collected on mapping system and student notes.
Review the reflective reports and brochure.

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Differentiation

Offer infographics, graphic organizers, or visual assistance to pupils who might have trouble processing information.
Make clearer diagrams that highlight the key features of Buffelgrass to aid with comprehension.
For students who might struggle with independent study, provide guided research materials or handouts with detailed information about Buffelgrass characteristics.
During the phase of classroom preparation, give information collection more time and assistance.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Give advanced students the chance to work on a more comprehensive research project that examines the ecological and economic effects of invasive species outside of their immediate local environment.
Inspire students to use their research outside of the classroom by planning a community awareness campaign about invasive plants, such as buffelgrass.