Invasive Species and Climate Change in Louisiana

Project Summary

Sixth grade students studied invasive species’ impact on Louisiana, particularly focusing on how climate change and invasive species like Asian tiger shrimp affect the state’s commercial and recreational fisheries.

Detailed Story

Students at Pineville Elementary completed a comprehensive project exploring the connection between climate change and invasive species in Louisiana. The students researched why Louisiana is particularly vulnerable to these threats due to its subtropical climate, coastal wetlands, and status as a major port. Their investigation included analyzing how climate change factors like temperature shifts and extreme weather events correlate with the spread of invasive species in local ecosystems. Students created presentations and infographics to raise awareness about these interconnected issues, examining specific invasive species such as Asian tiger shrimp and water hyacinth. Students reported that learning about the feedback loop between invasive species and climate change helped them “understand the bigger picture,” with one noting that creating infographics was “a fun challenge” that taught them to “visually present complex information in a way that would engage people.” The project fostered collaborative skills, with students combining their strengths to produce cohesive and informative presentations.

Impact Statement

63 students mastered project objectives, developing research skills and creating engaging visual presentations that clearly conveyed their message about the connection between climate change and invasive species. Students gained deeper understanding of these environmental threats to Louisiana’s ecosystems and became more aware of the interconnectedness of these issues.