Special Feature Lesson:

 Ace the Aliens!

Overview:
Kids play a board game that reinforces what they have learned about alien species and their negative impacts on native plants and animals.

Curriculum Focus:
N/A

Materials:
• Ace The Aliens Game page

• Ace The Aliens Game Rules page

Materials:

Make enough copies of the Ace The Aliens Game page and Ace The Aliens Game Rules page for each set of two to four players to use. Review Special Feature, and discuss why each species highlighted poses problems for wetland natives. Tell kids they can play a game based on what they have read about in Special Feature. Divide kids into groups of two to four. Pass out copies of the game and the game rules. Review the rules if necessary, and point out the option for advanced play.

Allow kids to play the game a few times, and challenge them to make up their own additional rules.

Extension idea:
Research alien species in your state or province and their impacts on native species (or, use purple loosestrife for this activity). Challenge kids to develop an educational campaign to teach others about a particular alien species. Have them create a slogan, as well as posters, ads, skits or other ideas to get their message across. Allow kids to share their finished work with each other.