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Birds on Assateague shore during sunrise

Assateague Shore (Food Web)

Grade 3

Assateague Island is home to a variety of species, especially on its shores. In this lesson, we will analyze various bird species that live and nest on these shores and how biologists protect their eggs from numerous predators on the shore.

 

Teacher's Guide and Related Standards

Objective

Students can describe the relationship among species on the Assateague shores and how biologists help protect some prey from predators.

Essential Questions

  • What animals interact and live on Assateague shores?
  • How do biologists help protect some Assateague bird species from predators?

Outdoors Maryland Clip

Thinking questions:

  • Why is Assateague Island special for piping plovers?
  • How can biologists determine if a piping plover or American oystercatcher egg is close to hatching?
  • How do Molly and her team protect piping plover nests?
  • What Assateague shore predators like to eat piping plover and American oystercatcher eggs?


Vocabulary


Supplemental Enrichment Activities

Developing and Using Models

Diagram Showing Conditions of Habitats on Assateague Island

Either individually or as a class, complete the interactive in which students will explore the various habitats on Assateague Island.

Students should complete a graphic organizer that describes each habitat, their conditions, and the various species that live in each habitat.

» Go to Model

Interdependent Relationships
in Ecosystems

Ecology of Assateague Island Seashore

Have students read the article. Form a class discussion to address the many species that live on Assateague Island.

Discuss how these species help Assateague habitats and how the conditions of each habitat allow the organisms to thrive and live there.

 

» Go to Article

Systems and System Models

Assateague Food Web Model

Analyze the food web model example showing the interaction of species of the Chesapeake Bay. This should be used as a model for students to build their own food webs or food chains that show the interaction of species on Assateague Island.

» Go to Model


Career Connections

 

This learning resource is a production of Maryland Public Television/Thinkport.