Students will launch a comparative biodiversity investigation by documenting Vermont habitat pressures, distinguishing observation from ecological inference, interpreting introductory population evidence, and developing questions for a Galápagos conservation expert.

Students will transform Vermont field observations, Galápagos evidence, and partner perspectives into a focused comparative question, directional hypothesis, and defensible investigation plan with systematic sampling, ethical field practices, credible source selection, model-ready variables, and traceable documentation.

Students will calibrate field methods, conduct paired Vermont biodiversity surveys with community partners, quality-check traceable records, organize credible Galápagos comparison data, and correct population ecology misconceptions before analysis and modeling.

Students will analyze Vermont and Galápagos biodiversity data, evaluate anomalies and uncertainty, construct mathematical representations of population dynamics, and develop a computational simulation of management trade-offs. They will use peer and Galápagos expert feedback to revise evidence-based comparative explanations and stewardship recommendations.

Students will audit ecological evidence, correct misconceptions, and use peer and community-partner feedback to refine their comparative report, stewardship solution, children’s storybook, Eco Warrior guide, maps, and public defense before the final Showcase.

Students will calibrate and revise their scientific explanations, present final Vermont–Galápagos products to elementary students and conservation partners, defend conclusions with multiple forms of evidence, and submit an individual CER portfolio with a reflection on how their ecological reasoning changed.