Sea Grant Illinois-Indiana

Description:

The use of live crayfish in classrooms has been identified as a pathway for the introduction of invasive crayfish into our local waterways. To address this issue, the Investigating Crayfish and Freshwater Ecosystems curriculum was developed to teach students about Great Lakes ecosystems, the significance of native crayfish, and the ecological threats posed by invasive crayfish. It contains nine lesson plans aligned to Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core State Standards, and Center for Great Lakes Literacy Principles. The curriculum is best suited for students in grades 6-12 but offers numerous adaptations/extensions to meet the divergent needs of students in grades 2–5.

This document is available on the Invasive Crayfish Collaborative website: https://invasivecrayfish.org/crayfish-curriculum/

Recommended Citation

Reynolds, R., Reynolds, K., and Szklaruk, N. (2025). Investigating Crayfish and Freshwater Ecosystems. Document IISG25-RCE-EDU-019. Engaging Every Student, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. https://invasivecrayfish.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Investigating-Crayfish-and-Freshwater-Ecosystems-Curriculum.pdf.

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