Trophic Cascades and Predator-Prey Dynamics
by Veronica Yovovich and Dan Johnston
This module presents a “game” activity in which students learn about trophic cascades and how the different elements of a food chain interact. The module explores the importance of top-down regulation and how predators may regulate the habitats in which they live.
In this module, students learn: 1) How predators and prey interact, 2) How human activities may disrupt ecosystem integrity, 3) How to formulate predictions and hypotheses, 4) How to engage in argument from evidence, make and interpret simple graphs, and make estimates based on data they collect.
Docs: fulltext.pdf handout.pdf homework.pdf cards.pdf
Keywords: argument, cause, data, evidence, food web, graphs, HS-LS2.A, HS-LS2.C, math, models, predators, prey, stability, systems, trophic cascades
Was there any response about the missing hyperlinks?
I would love to see the directions for the game.
This IBL lesson looks fantastic. I am especially excited about how accessible it makes simulating population dynamics between predators, prey, and primary producers through gamification. However, it appears that hyperlinks are missing for two of the lesson documents: (1) TC Lecture.pptx, (2) TC Lab Instructions.docx. I hope there are still available to be shared. Please let me know.