Teton County Weed & Pest District
TCWP has developed science education programs for grades 2, 3 and 5 that address NGSS while teaching students about invasive species and pests. Each program consists of 3 lessons that build on each other and involve students in practices of science as they learn Disciplinary Core Ideas in the Life Sciences framed in the real-world context of invasive species and pests. Program content follows a flow through the grade levels, starting with plant reproduction and seed dispersal in 2nd grade and ending with the impact of invasive species on ecosystems in 5th grade. Programs are available from Sept 1 – May 15 and are best scheduled at the beginning of the school year. All lessons are free of charge
Meta Dittmer307-733-8419
mdittmer@tcweed.org
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| Who | Teton County Weed and Pest District |
| What | Science programs for grades 2, 3 and 5, including 3 lessons per grade level, offered by TCWP staff in classrooms, most materials provided by TCWP, programs address Disciplinary Core Ideas, Cross Cutting Concepts, and Practices of Science from NGSS while teaching students about the real environment issues around invasive species and pests. |
| When | Sep 1 - May 15 each year |
| Where | In your classroom |
| Why | To meet mission of Teton County Weed & Pest and the Wyoming Alliance for Environmental Education while helping teachers address NGSS and giving elementary students access to hands-on science and exposing them to future career opportunities. |
Available Programs
Flowers, Fruits, Seeds and Weeds, 2nd Grade
This program consists of three 60-minute lessons: 1) The Purpose of a Flower, 2) What a Seed Needs, 3) Seed Dispersal and Invasive Plants. 1) The Purpose of a Flower: Learning Objective: Students will use models and specimens to review the structures of a flowering plant and their functions (roots, stem, leaves, flower), learn […]
Standards:- 2-LS2-2 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
- 2-LS4-1 Biological Unity and Diversity
Characteristics, Life Cycles, and Management of Insects, 3rd Grade
This program consists of three 80-minute lessons: 1) Insect Characteristics and Structures, 2) Insect Life Cycles / 2-Week Observation of Complete Metamorphosis, 3) Mosquito Life History and Management. 1) Insect Characteristics and Structures: Learning Objective: Students will learn to identify the characteristics of insects and relate insect structures to their function […]
Standards:- 3-5-ETS1-2 Engineering, Technology, & Applications of Science
- 3-LS1-1 From Molecules to Organisms: Structures & Processes
- 3-LS4-3 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
- 3-LS4-4 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
Invasive Species in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, 5th Grade
This program consists of three 90-minute lessons: 1) Limiting Factors in Ecosystems, 2) The Impact of Invasive Species on a Model Elk Population, 3) Managing Invasive Species. 1) Limiting Factors in Ecosystems: Learning Objectives: Students will learn that limiting factors, both abiotic and biotic, support biodiversity and maintain ecosystems in a stable state by preventing […]
Standards:- 5-LS1-1 From Molecules to Organisms: Structure and Processes
- 5-LS2-1 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
- 5-PS3-1 Energy