Stowaway Guardians

Description

Through this activity, participants learn about aquatic invasive species (AIS) and an effective way to prevent their spread. All the steps recommended for decontaminating boats between water bodies are explored with toy models. Participants earn puzzle pieces for an AIS ‘NOT WANTED’ poster for each step completed, from which they can learn more about that species.

Key Messages;

• There are plant and animal species that were introduced to local waterways from far away, that compete with native species for food and habitat. Those which are so aggressive they have become a threat to many other species, are called “Aquatic Invasive Species” (AIS).
• Recreational boating is a key pathway for the spread of AIS in Ontario. Small organisms often go unnoticed in live-wells and bait buckets, invertebrates become attached to boat hulls, and plant particulate gets caught in equipment.
• Fortunately, stopping these aquatic ‘stow-aways’ can be done through a ‘Clean, Drain & Dry’ process that should be done each time we move a boat from one waterbody to another.

Ontario Curriculum Connections

Science and Technology

Understanding Life Systems, Grade 4 (Habitats and Communities)

• analyze the positive and negative impacts of human interactions with natural habitats and communities, taking different perspectives into account, and evaluate ways of minimizing the negative impacts
• identify factors (e.g., availability of water or food, amount of light, type of weather) that affect the ability of plants and animals to survive in a specific habitat
• describe structural adaptations that allow plants and animals to survive in specific habitats.

Applications, Connections & Contributions – Grade 6

• investigate how science and technology can be used with other subject area to address real-world problems
• analyse contributions to science and technology from various communities.

STEM Investigation & Communication Skills -Grade 5

• follow established health and safety procedures during science and technology investigations, including …safely using tools, instruments, and materials.
• communicate findings, using science and technology vocabulary and formats that are appropriate for specific audiences and purposes.

Applications, Connections & Contributions – Grade 5

• demonstrate an understanding of the practical applications of science and technology, and of contributions to science and technology from people with diverse lived experiences