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What is Happening to the Rusty �Patched Bumblebee?

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Phenomena

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Natural phenomena are observable events that occur in the universe and that we can use our science knowledge to explain or predict. The goal of building knowledge in science is to develop general ideas, based on evidence, that can explain and predict phenomena.

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“Forgotten But Not Gone: The Rusty Patched Bumblebee.”

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In March 2017 the Rusty Patched Bumblebee was the first bumblebee species listed as endangered.

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Check out Bumblebee Watch!

a�(Bombus affinis) �Verified US Sightings 2011-2019

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Bumblebee Watch �(RPB’s Scientific Name is: Bombus affinis)�

  1. Go to www.bumblebeewatch.org
  2. Sign in: Username ______, Password ______
  3. Click on the “Map” tab at the top of the screen and select “Bumblebee Sightings.”
  4. Choose State: Illinois, Species: affinis/Rusty Patched Bumblebee, Year: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011
  5. Click “Search”

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Bumblebee Watch

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  • Each Green Dot represents a verified sighting of a Rusty Patched Bumblebee
  • Click on the green dots to get more information about each sighting
  • Record any patterns or other observations your notice in the “What Do I Notice” section of your worksheet

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Bumblebee Watch (Bombus affinis) �Verified Illinois Sightings 2011-2019

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Share with a Partner

  • What did you notice in these resources?�
  • Pick a partner to share what each group has learned about the RPB with the class.

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Systems and System Models

A system is an organized group of related objects or components�Models can be used for understanding and predicting the behavior of systems.�

  • What components are part of the RPB system? �
  • What other components in the RPB system does each components interact with?

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Model of the RPB System

Develop a model of the RPB system. Your model should describe how all of the components in the RPB system interact with each other.

�To create you model you can use pictures, words, and symbols.

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When you are done with your model, share your model with a partner. Use your model to share ideas for why the population and range of the RPB has declined. Add new questions to your “What Do I Wonder” section.

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Crosscutting Concepts

  • Patterns
  • Cause and Effect
  • Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
  • Systems and System Models
  • Energy and Matter
  • Structure and Function
  • Stability and Change

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What questions will be most useful to investigate �in order to make sense of our phenomenon?

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Driving Questions

  • What caused the RPB to become endangered?
  • Why is the RPB being endangered important?
  • What do you think we can do to prevent the RPB from going extinct?

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Where is the best place to start?

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