New Bedford ECHO Project - ECHO programs amplify educational benefits, foster greater appreciation of local and national history and the natural environment, and assist communities in maximizing the social benefits of new technologies.

ECHO programs amplify educational benefits, foster greater appreciation of local and national history and the natural environment, and assist communities in maximizing the social benefits of new technologies.

Understanding Our Changing Ecosystems Disciplinary Focus: Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Science, and Life Science Curriculum Grade Level: Secondary/Middle Grades 6-10 In this science curriculum module, suitable for secondary and middle grades 6-10, students use an inquiry approach to learn that ecosystems are delicately balanced and human actions can easily destabilize this balance, sometimes leading to disastrous consequences. The focus of this science curriculum module is on the introduction by humans of invasive species or non-indigenous species within an ecosystem that disrupt the natural food web. Students learn that invasive species compete often successfully to take over the niche of one or more indigenous species. Students research invasive species, learning how physical traits are used to identify invasive species, the likely mode of introduction, the kinds of damage and losses caused and the potential economic costs. Students also learn methods for controlling invasive species, invasive species problematic where they live, and who to contact if they find an invasive species.

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ECHO programs amplify educational benefits, foster greater appreciation of local and national history and the natural environment, and assist communities in maximizing the social benefits of new technologies.

What is ECHO?

ECHO is an educational and cultural enrichment initiative, annually serving thousands of children and adults in Alaska, Hawaii and Massachusetts. Established by Congress as part of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, ECHO brings innovative programs collaboratively produced by the regional cultural institutions to culturally diverse audiences. Read More