Local Threats to Biodiversity: Invasive Species transcripts

LOCAL THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY: INVASIVE SPECIES

Did you know that in the U.S. it is estimated that the cost of prevention, control, and eradication of invasive species is more than $100 billion each year? This week we will discuss invasive species.

Step 1: The Scenario

Congratulations! You have been invited to submit a 2-minute video clip to the local news as a representative of the grassroots organization named “WatchExotics” (or “StopInvasives” or “WatchTheAliens” or something else you feel would represent your organization well).

Your dedication to fighting a very destructive invasive species is starting to pay off! This appearance could secure grant funding for community initiative work.

You will have 2 minutes to showcase the problem with the local biological invader. This is part of the grant selection process.

The public will have the chance to vote and express their support for one of the projects (the “public” will be your classmates).

Step 2: Exploring Invasive Species Resources

The USDA has a well-developed website that includes a search of invasive species (Links to an external site.) by geography or subject to help you find a species for your presentation. Another reliable resource is Invasive (Links to an external site.). Make sure to watch the 6 required National Geographic videos to give you ideas of the range of problems that invasive species bring with them as well as the mechanisms through which they have become successfully invasive.

Make sure your speech is convincing. This is an opportunity to improve your communication skills for your current job or next career move. Check out this resource from Excelsior OWL on Modes of Persuasion (Links to an external site.).

Step 3: Initial Post

Initial posts should use the Rich Content Editor in Canvas (Links to an external site.) to record either video or audio by Thursday at 11:59 pm ET. In your short video clip make sure to include a species profile that consists of:

• name (common and scientific names);
• origin (where it is from);
• when, and how the species has arrived in the U.S. and your area;
• the most likely mechanism(s) explaining why the species has been so successful at becoming invasive;
• impacts of this species on the local biodiversity as well as on the local economy;
• include some methods of prevention and eradication that your organization is proposing and that would involve the local community.

Be creative and passionate about making this clip! Think of all the skills you may gain here for your next job interview or perhaps for starting your own non-profit to help your local community!

You may find Excelsior OWL resources on Video Essays (Links to an external site.) useful for providing a framework for creating a plan and script for a video. Don’t forget to include transcripts of your conversation and APA formatted references.