12 – 3.22.2023 – Invasive Lionfish Program: Human Impact, Ecological Impact and Engineering Design

Flyer – 3.22.23 – Lionfish Invasion

Day, Date, Time: Wednesday, March 22, 2023     4pm – 7pm 

Contact Hours: 2.5 hours 

Food: ½ hour light dinner provided at 4 pm, drinks (water, soda) also provided

Location: Colorado Parks and Wildlife classroom, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Title: Lionfish Invasion. Why is this an issue? Invasive Lionfish Program: Human Impact, Ecological Impact and Engineering Design

Presenter: Hilary Penner, Education and Conservation Program Manager, Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF),  www.REEF.org

Description:

Lionfish Invasion. Why is this an issue? Known for their show stopping appearance, venomous spines and damage to local reefs, invasive lionfish are the first non-native marine fish to become established in the Atlantic. Lionfish pose a significant threat to local marine ecosystems due to widespread predation of native species, prolific reproduction and lack of controlling predators. However, early detection and rapid removal can help control their populations and reduce their damage. REEF has been working with Federal, State, and local partners as well as divers and dive operators, public aquaria, and foreign fisheries departments to enact rapid response protocol and removals and to assist with scientific investigations related to lionfish and other non-native marine species. Join us as we explore the Invasive Lionfish Program and related REEF lessons that you can use in your classroom!

Learning Outcomes: 

  • Confidently access and integrate NGSS aligned REEF lessons into your existing curriculum
  • Provide background information to their students on the Invasive Lionfish Program: Human Impact, Ecological Impact and Engineering Design 
  • Share how scientists work in the field, collect data, and use scientific and engineering design process

Topics and Agenda:

4:00 – 4:30 Welcome and light dinner, Administrivia

4:30 – 5:00 The Invasive Lionfish Project Slideshow for Background Information 

5:00 – 5:45 Grades 6-8 Lesson Demonstration, Crime Fish Investigation

5:45 – 6:00 Break

6:00 – 6:45 High School Lesson Demonstration, Research Project Sample

6:45 – 7:00     Questions, Evaluations and Door Prizes