CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE MARINE IGUANA 11-14 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE MARINE IGUANA In this activity students are introduced to climate change and its effects on the wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago, including the marine iguana. NATIONAL CURRICULUM LINKS Recognise and understand that environments can change and the impact this may have on living things and their habitats. LEARNING OUTCOMES To understand how climate change is having an impact on global and sea surface temperatures. To gain an understanding of El Niño and its effects, with a focus on Galapagos. To investigate the impact of El Niño on the marine iguana and other species. KIT LIST Climate change and the marine iguana PowerPoint Coping with climate change information worksheet Access to internet for links Blank world map VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY In this activity the powerpoint ‘Climate Change and the Marine Iguana’ will take you through the activity. Begin by eliciting what students know by the term ‘Climate Change.’ Read the definition. There is some useful information about climate change in general here - http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate-guide/climate-change Introduce climate change and the oceans. As El Niño has an impact on the islands and their wildlife, Slide 2 explains it further. A link is provided for more information if needed. Set students the task of discussing the impact El Niño may have on animals of Galapagos that rely on the marine environment. Whilst all species are adversely affected, those which cannot leave in search of food further afield are the ones where the impact is felt most severely. The marine iguana, Galapagos penguin and flightless cormorant are such species. During severe El Niño’s sea lion populations can also be decimated. Frigatebirds, bottlenose dolphin and the bacalao grouper can travel more easily to food sources further away, as can the hammerhead sharks. Although such large groups of these can be found in the waters surrounding Galapagos, the impact may also be felt. Slide 4 directly concerns the effects of El Niño and climate change on the marine iguana. A further link provides more information if needed. NEXT STEP Have a go at some data analysis on marine iguanas and investigate the ‘The Case of the Shrinking Dragons.’ (in Teacher Zone section) AUTHOR? [notes] ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ A RESOURCE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE GALAPAGOS CONSERVATION TRUST (REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1043470) GALAPAGOSCONSERVATION.ORG.UK