Students investigate how species interactions, environmental limits, adaptation, and human activity shape biodiversity and population stability in Vermont and the Galápagos. Using field surveys, mathematical models, and a computational simulation, they evaluate land-use and conservation strategies with guidance from Vermont and Galápagos partners. Teams apply evidence to refine a locally relevant stewardship solution and communicate their learning through a comparative children’s book, CER portfolio, and Eco Warrior action guide. The experience builds scientific expertise, collaboration, reflection, and effective communication through critique, revision, and a public exhibition for elementary students and community members.

Students will analyze biodiversity and population dynamics using field observations, mathematical models, and computational simulations of carrying capacity, limiting factors, species interactions, adaptation, and ecosystem resilience. They will compare how isolation, human activity, and resource-management decisions affect Galapagos and Vermont ecosystems, supporting explanations with survey data and claim-evidence-reasoning. Collaborative teams will design, evaluate, and refine feasible stewardship actions that reduce human impacts on biodiversity. Students will communicate ecological findings accurately to scientific partners and younger audiences through a children’s book, field-data portfolio, maps, read-aloud presentation, and Eco Warrior action guide while using feedback and reflection to improve their work.

Students will build field journals, biodiversity survey datasets, invasive-species maps, mathematical population models, and a computational simulation connecting resource management, human populations, and biodiversity. Teams will maintain a claim-evidence-reasoning portfolio and revise children’s-book drafts, illustrations, and read-aloud scripts using quizzes, peer critique, and community-partner feedback. Each team will publish a children’s book pairing Galápagos and Vermont ecosystems and showing population limits, species interactions, human impacts, and stewardship choices. Final companion products will include a recorded read-aloud and an Eco Warrior action kit with badge cards, local conservation challenges, habitat-friendly tips, and a family guide for elementary audiences.

Launch with a “Bottleneck to Biodiversity” hike guided by a Vermont state land manager, Agency of Natural Resources staff member, and community scientist. Teams document species, invasive organisms, habitat fragmentation, human impacts, and conservation measures at both stressed and protected sites, then map evidence and generate questions. During a sit-spot reflection, students compare their observations with Galápagos images and population data, distinguishing visible habitat pressures from evidence needed to infer a population bottleneck. End with a brief video challenge from a Galápagos ecologist asking students how island conservation lessons could inform Vermont land-use decisions.

Host a “Galápagos to Green Mountains Storybook Expo” for elementary students, families, and community members. Student teams read their paired-ecosystem books, screen read-aloud videos, and guide visitors through biodiversity maps, habitat sketches, computational models, and interactive Eco Warrior badge activities. A Galápagos ecologist joins by video, while Vermont Agency of Natural Resources staff, a state land manager, conservation partners, and community scientists discuss how student recommendations connect to real stewardship decisions. Conclude with a public celebration of student learning and information about opportunities to continue conservation work locally and through future Galápagos study.