Lesson Plan - Invaders

Watch the Video
Build background knowledge by watching the video “Wanted: Invasive Species.” Ask: What are some ways that invasive species have arrived in the U.S.? What problems do the species cause?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• captivity
• abundant

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about why it’s important not to release pet fish into rivers and lakes.

1. According to the article, how did goldfish get into U.S. ponds, lakes, and rivers?
Goldfish got into U.S. ponds, lakes, and rivers when people released unwanted pet goldfish into these waterways.
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2. What does the article mean when it states that “the way these supersized fish search for their next meal can also harm a habitat”?
When the article states that “the way these supersized fish search for their next meal can also harm a habitat,” it means that goldfish look for food at the bottom of a body of water. That stirs up sand and mud, which makes the water murky and makes it hard for native fish and plants to survive.
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3. What is the purpose of the sidebar, “Other Unwanted Guests”?
The purpose of the sidebar, “Other Unwanted Guests,” is to describe three other invasive species causing problems in the U.S.—the nutria, spotted lanternfly, and Burmese python.
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Featured Skill: Text Structure
Use the skill builder “Causes and Effects” to analyze the article’s cause-and-effect text structure.
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