Invading Species in Lake Tahoe

Picture
There is a rather odd new organism that is reproducing rapidly in the shores of Lake Tahoe.  No one knows how it arrived here.  But we must find out! Once we have found out what this new organism is, we are tasked with finding out if it is good or bad for our environment.  If it is bad there must be some way of getting rid of it so that our salmon are able to survive and thrive in our beautiful Lake Tahoe.

Where do zebra mussles come from?

TASKS

1.  Find out how did zebra mussels arrive here in the Unites States.

Make a map demonstrating their journey here and what they may have traveled in to get here.
2. Uncover ways zebra mussels are affecting Lake Tahoe's inhabitants. 

Are zebra mussels good or bad to our environment?  Write down your discoveries in our science observation journals.
3. What are some ways the government is trying to prevent this species from becoming over populated in Lake Tahoe?  Can you think of any others?
Process

Press Release: "Tiny zebra mussels pose outsized threat"
First...

  1.             Read the article below.
  2.             Click on the press release title above.
  3.             Read one article and fill out Zebra Mussel Article worksheet.
  4.             On the same website click video.
  5.             Watch two videos. Describe how the lakes in the videos are being affected.
  6.             Use the map to show how zebra mussels may have traveled to Lake Tahoe.
Source
Evaluation

Create a poster or tri-fold showing:

1. How the zebra mussels arrived here. 
2. Your educated guess of how they are getting into Lake Tahoe.
3. What is the best way to prevent or get rid of zebra mussels in Lake Tahoe.


Science Observation Journal

Summarize what you discovered from each of the five activities. Also, draw a picture of your solution to solving the problem zebra mussels are creating in Lake Tahoe.

Conclusion

Congratulations you have completed your webquest! As you have discovered these invasive organisms are detrimental to Lake Tahoe.  You have all created really great presentations on how to prevent the spread of Zebra mussels and reduce their reproduction rate.  Check back to the classroom blog to see your work presented for your parents and community members to view. Excellent Job!