Lesson Plan - Python Patrol
Learning Objective
Students will explore the impact that invasive Burmese pythons are having on the Everglades and identify ways people are trying to solve the problem.
Text Structure
Problem/Solution, Cause/Effect
Content-Area Connections
Life Science, Earth Science
Standards Correlations
CCSS: RI.3.1, RI.3.2, RI.3.3, RI.3.4, RI.3.5, RI.3.6, RI.3.7, RI.3.8, RI.3.10, L.3.4, SL.3.1
NGSS: Ecosystems
TEKS: Science 3.9
1. Preparing to Read
Watch a Video: Wanted: Invasive Species
Discuss: What are some ways species have “invaded” new locations?
Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.
Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about how pythons are affecting the Everglades.
2. Close-Reading Questions
1. Why is the Burmese python considered an invasive species in Florida? An invasive species is one that is introduced to an area and harms native species. Burmese pythons were originally brought to the U.S. from Asia and are now eating many native species in the Florida Everglades.
(RI.3.4 DOMAIN-SPECIFIC VOCABULARY)
2. Why are Burmese pythons hard to find, according to the article? The article explains that the snakes’ spotted skin lets them blend in with the plants in their surroundings.
(RI.3.5 CAUSE AND EFFECT)
3. What are two facts you can learn from the photos that appear with the article? Sample response: You can learn that some Burmese pythons are so large that it takes three people to carry one. You can also learn that Burmese pythons lay many eggs at a time.
(RI.3.7 USING VISUALS)
3. Skill Building
FEATURED SKILL: Problem and Solution
Use the Skill Builder “What’s the Problem?” to have students explore the problem/solution text structure of the article.
(RI.3.5 PROBLEM AND SOLUTION)
