Lesson plan: Green Crab Alert: Invasion in Washington's waters
European green crabs (Carcinus maenas) are considered to be one of the world’s worst invasive species. In 2021, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), tribes, and partners identified an exponential increase of invasive European green crabs in areas on Washington’s outer coast. The crabs' invasion poses a growing threat to Washington’s economic, environmental, and cultural resources. Unfortunately, experts believe European green crabs will never be fully eradicated due to large populations in neighboring states.
Throughout this unit, students will explore why European green crabs are such a concerning invasive species, how they may impact the biodiversity of Washington’s estuaries, and what options are available for controlling their population. Perhaps most importantly, students will understand how they can help by learning how to identify and report European green crabs to support efforts to control them and limit their harm.
Visit this webpage for more information and supporting materials, including Spanish language materials.
Lesson plan: Aquatic Invasive Species (PDF)
Middle school students explore the world of aquatic invasive species that threaten Washington’s cultures, environments, and economies. Next, students dive deeper and learn more about European green crab and zebra/quagga mussels and what state agencies are doing to keep these species out of Washington’s waters. We partnered with the Washington Invasive Species Council to modify two lessons from their invasive species 6th-8th grade curriculum .
In the second part of this lesson, students use technology and the Washington Invasive Species App to learn how to become “first detectors” of invasive species in their school yards and local greenspaces.