Science
Galapagos giant tortoise - Introductory Lesson
This activity introduces students to the history of the Galapagos giant tortoise.
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Introduction
Learning objectives
- To understand how the Galapagos Islands were formed.
- To understand how giant tortoises evolved and adapted to their environments
- To understand how animals migrate and why
- To understand how animals interact in a food chain and learn examples of food chains in Galapagos
- To understand the role giant tortoises play in their environment
- Understand and identify anthropogenic threats facing Galapagos tortoises today.
- To understand the ‘One Health’ concept.
Students’ outcomes
- Locate the Galapagos islands on a world map and understand how they were formed.
- Explore how the Galapagos giant tortoise is adapted to suit its environment.
- Learn how adaptation may lead to evolution of a species.
- Understand why and how animals migrate. What drives migration?
- Explore the migration of the Galapagos giant tortoise.
- Learn how digital technology is used to track animals.
- Explain what a food chain is and identify and explain key terms.
- Identify species that make up a food chain and web in Galapagos.
- Understand the inter-relationships between species in a food web.
- Understand the different terms used to describe whether or not species are native.
- Explore and identify different plant species in reference to the above.
- Explain how tortoises disperse seeds and its impact on the environment.
- Understand and identify anthropogenic threats facing Galapagos tortoises today.
- Gain curiosity about tortoise health and ways of assessing it.
- Develop scientific enquiry skills through questioning, reasoning and analysis.
- Explain the concept of ‘One Health’ and how they can contribute to its ethos as an individual.
Resources in English
All about tortoises learning pack
Available downloads
- All about tortoises learning pack 7-11, 11-14 activity plan (.pdf)
- Introductory session (.pdf)
- Activity 1 (.pdf)
- Activity 2 (.pdf)
- Activity 3 (.pdf)
- Activity 4 (.pdf)
- Activity 5 (.pdf)
- Activity 6 (.pdf)
- Activity 6 presentation - Be a blood scientist (.pptx)
- Glossary of terms (.pdf)
Resources in Spanish
Todo sobre las tortugas
Available downloads
- Guia de actividades (.pdf)
- Todo sobre las tortugas - sesion introductoria (.pdf)
- Actividad 1 (.pdf)
- Actividad 2 (.pdf)
- Actividad 3 (.pdf)
- Actividad 4 (.pdf)
- Actividad 5 (.pdf)
- Actividad 6 (.pdf)
- Actividad 6 presentación – Sé un científico de la sangre (.pptx)
- Glosario de terminos (.pdf)
- Enlaces al programa de la sesión (.pdf)
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