Biodiversity
Scientist Rescue
Produced by Escape with STEM and Cybermentor
The Mission
The Rescue Team
Let's Go!
The Mission
The Rescue Team
Hannah - The Brains
Holly - The Adventurer
Brennan - The Tracker
Let's Go!
Before you embark on the journey to save Dr. Cyber, you find some notes hidden in a folder. You realize that they are from Dr. Cyber! The notes say:
Cybermentors - you need to find me. I've left clues for you in this field station. You need to visit each bioregion of Alberta. Solve the puzzles and they'll give you some numbers that will help lead you to me. I have to go now - they're coming.
With the notes, is a map and some locations. The six locations are listed below. Currently, we are located at the Canadian Shield. As Dr. Cyber said, visit the 5 other bioregions by pressing the map points to find the clues! Also, once you have visited all 5, click the map point for the Canadian Shield to locate Dr. Cyber!
The pine beetles are destroying the Canadian forests! You need to identify the mountain pine beetle from the other beetles so we can stop the infestation. Quickly now, click the red file icon to view the dichotomous keys and save our forests!
You picked the wrong beetle, unfortunately. Try again.
Congratulations! You've identified the mountain pine beetle and taken the first step to saving the forests!
5_ N, ___W
Here's a piece of paper that was found.
Click the arrow icon on the bottom of the screen to pick another location.
Fishing and hunting can be helpful to the ecosystem by reducing the population of invasive species. This allows native species an opportunity to grow and reproduce without the threat of predation or competition by introduced species or larger individuals of their own species that have already reached sexual maturity.
Which of these fish can be legally hunted from this river? Click the field notes to access the fish guide and drag the ruler to measure the fish. Press the forward arrow when you are ready to answer questions.
NOTE: Multiply the value on the ruler by 10 to get the length in cm.
Question 1: How many fish were allowed to be hunted?
10
That's right! Great job!
Question 2: Which fish species were not allowed to be hunted at all?
Bull Trout and Northern Pike
Bull Trout and Rainbow Trout
Burbot and Bull Trout
Northern Pike and Rainbow Trout
That wasn't the right answer.
Take another look at the fish guide and the fish in the river. Make sure you've identified the fish correctly and followed the rules on the last page! Click the back arrow to try again.
Awesome! You solved it! Here's another note.
_1 N, ___W
You've restored the ecosystem to a balanced state and also caught some nice fish along the way! Now, press the forward arrow to continue on to a new task!
A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its population. Without its keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether. Bison are a keystone species of the grasslands. They were nearly driven to extinction by overhunting, reducing their numbers from 30 million to less 1,000 in a single lifetime. Bison are slowly being reintroduced to the grasslands where they once roamed in abundance in the hopes of restoring the ecosystem.
The bison reintroduction program of 2020 is now in full swing, and you have been tasked to assess the biodiversity index of the area. In order to do that, you're going to have to answer some questions, using the information in this image. When you're ready, click the arrow to proceed to questions, but don't forget to press the file icon to see the field notes!
What is the species richness in the grassland habitat?
10
11
That's right! Good job!
What is the species abundance of bison in the grassland habitat?
10
11
You've got it! One last question to go.
What is the species intactness of bison in the grassland habitat (in %)?
10
20
15
25
30
That's not the correct answer. Take a look at the field notes from the technician, and try again.
Great job! You successfully identified the biodiversity index and have successfully assessed the reintroduction program of the bison to the grasslands habitat!
__ N, 1__W
There was a note that was left.
Click the arrow to proceed to a new location.
You contact the field technican, and they provide you with these pictures.
A healthy and balanced ecosystem requires species at each trophic level (producers, consumers, decomposers). Producers capture energy from the sun to convert into food. Consumers get their energy from producers or other consumers. Decomposers break down fecal and dead matter to return the energy to the environment. If a species is introduced that does not have enough prey or predators, it may die out or grow unchecked and throw the ecosystem off-balance.
Which of these species should be included in the boreal habitat? Only 5 of these are not. When you've identified those 5 species, rearrange the first letter of their names to get a 5 letter word. Then, click the next button and select that word on the next page. You can also drag the species to different points on the screen to separate them. Good luck!
MEMOS
BREWS
POWER
TREES
COILS
DEPOT
MICRO
EDGES
MAGIC
POLES
DIMES
MIMED
LIMPS
ROPES
Nice try, but that's incorrect. Remember, you can mouse over each species to determine their names, and think carefully about which 5 species should NOT be included in this habitat. Click the back arrow to look at the species and try again.
Congratulations! You've saved the boreal forests and reintroduced the right species to create a balanced ecosystem! Great job! Here's a note that was in the dirt.
__ N, _1_W
Now, click on the arrow icon to continue your journey!
Certain species of plants, often called weeds, can grow and reproduce quickly. When these plants are introduced into a new habitat, they can quickly outcompete and push out native vegetation. These plants must be controlled and exterminated to maintain the biodiversity of the native ecosystem.
Here are the plants that are currently in the Parklands of Alberta. Your job is to select only the invasive plants for removal, so that the native plants can prosper and the biodiversity of the ecosystem is restored. When you think you have identified the invasive plants, press the forward button. You can also access the field notes of invasive plants here.
Which of these plants is the Spotted Knapweed?
That's correct!
Which of these plants is the Garlic Mustard?
That's right!
Which of these plants is the Purple Loosestrife?
Keep going!
Which of these plants is the Puncturevine?
Last one!
Which of these plants is the Yellow Starthistle?
Hmmm... you may have selected the wrong invasive plant. Remember to take a look at the field guide to help you identify the correct plants. You got this! Click the back button to try again.
It looks like you successfully identified all the invasive plants! Awesome work! Now, the native plants in the Parklands will be able to grow and prosper, improving the biodiversity of the area! Click the forward arrow to go on to a new area.
Here's another note.
__ N, __4W
Where is Dr. Cyber located?
It looks like you picked a wrong location. Remember to click exactly where you think Dr. Cyber is located, and make sure you understand what the numbers mean. Click the back arrow to try again.
You've found Dr. Cyber!
After identifying Dr. Cyber's location in Calgary, you quickly race to her home. Breaking in the door, you find that she is sitting on a chair, seemingly awaiting your arrival. "I've been waiting for you. Great job on finding me and sorry for the wild goose chase. The reason for visiting the bioregions was to show you that as humans, we are the ones that are destroying the environment. We need to be more aware of what is going on and take steps to become sustainable and protect our future. You nod, and are relieved that your job is done. You bid farewell to Dr. Cyber, and head home after an eventful day.
This program was made possible by generous funding from the NSERC PromoScience Supplement for Science Literacy Week — thank you!
Thank you so much for playing Biodiversity Scientist Rescue! Please check out the two non-profit organizations which brought you this escape room by clicking on the logos on the bottom of the screen.
Cybermentor
Cybermentor inspires girls in science and engineering. Started in 2001, this province-wide program matches girls in grades 6-12 with female role models in science, technology, engineering and math, using an innovative free online mentoring platform.
www.cybermentor.ca
Escape with STEM
We are a non-profit organization that develops STEM-based escape room puzzles and experiences to inspire students to explore STEM related education and career opportunities. Try out our online escape rooms on our website!
www.escapewithstem.com
Biodiversity Scientist Rescue
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Transcript
Biodiversity
Scientist Rescue
Produced by Escape with STEM and Cybermentor
The Mission
The Rescue Team
Let's Go!
The Mission
The Rescue Team
Hannah - The Brains
Holly - The Adventurer
Brennan - The Tracker
Let's Go!
Before you embark on the journey to save Dr. Cyber, you find some notes hidden in a folder. You realize that they are from Dr. Cyber! The notes say:
Cybermentors - you need to find me. I've left clues for you in this field station. You need to visit each bioregion of Alberta. Solve the puzzles and they'll give you some numbers that will help lead you to me. I have to go now - they're coming.
With the notes, is a map and some locations. The six locations are listed below. Currently, we are located at the Canadian Shield. As Dr. Cyber said, visit the 5 other bioregions by pressing the map points to find the clues! Also, once you have visited all 5, click the map point for the Canadian Shield to locate Dr. Cyber!
The pine beetles are destroying the Canadian forests! You need to identify the mountain pine beetle from the other beetles so we can stop the infestation. Quickly now, click the red file icon to view the dichotomous keys and save our forests!
You picked the wrong beetle, unfortunately. Try again.
Congratulations! You've identified the mountain pine beetle and taken the first step to saving the forests!
5_ N, ___W
Here's a piece of paper that was found.
Click the arrow icon on the bottom of the screen to pick another location.
Fishing and hunting can be helpful to the ecosystem by reducing the population of invasive species. This allows native species an opportunity to grow and reproduce without the threat of predation or competition by introduced species or larger individuals of their own species that have already reached sexual maturity.
Which of these fish can be legally hunted from this river? Click the field notes to access the fish guide and drag the ruler to measure the fish. Press the forward arrow when you are ready to answer questions.
NOTE: Multiply the value on the ruler by 10 to get the length in cm.
Question 1: How many fish were allowed to be hunted?
10
That's right! Great job!
Question 2: Which fish species were not allowed to be hunted at all?
Bull Trout and Northern Pike
Bull Trout and Rainbow Trout
Burbot and Bull Trout
Northern Pike and Rainbow Trout
That wasn't the right answer.
Take another look at the fish guide and the fish in the river. Make sure you've identified the fish correctly and followed the rules on the last page! Click the back arrow to try again.
Awesome! You solved it! Here's another note.
_1 N, ___W
You've restored the ecosystem to a balanced state and also caught some nice fish along the way! Now, press the forward arrow to continue on to a new task!
A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its population. Without its keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether. Bison are a keystone species of the grasslands. They were nearly driven to extinction by overhunting, reducing their numbers from 30 million to less 1,000 in a single lifetime. Bison are slowly being reintroduced to the grasslands where they once roamed in abundance in the hopes of restoring the ecosystem.
The bison reintroduction program of 2020 is now in full swing, and you have been tasked to assess the biodiversity index of the area. In order to do that, you're going to have to answer some questions, using the information in this image. When you're ready, click the arrow to proceed to questions, but don't forget to press the file icon to see the field notes!
What is the species richness in the grassland habitat?
10
11
That's right! Good job!
What is the species abundance of bison in the grassland habitat?
10
11
You've got it! One last question to go.
What is the species intactness of bison in the grassland habitat (in %)?
10
20
15
25
30
That's not the correct answer. Take a look at the field notes from the technician, and try again.
Great job! You successfully identified the biodiversity index and have successfully assessed the reintroduction program of the bison to the grasslands habitat!
__ N, 1__W
There was a note that was left.
Click the arrow to proceed to a new location.
You contact the field technican, and they provide you with these pictures.
A healthy and balanced ecosystem requires species at each trophic level (producers, consumers, decomposers). Producers capture energy from the sun to convert into food. Consumers get their energy from producers or other consumers. Decomposers break down fecal and dead matter to return the energy to the environment. If a species is introduced that does not have enough prey or predators, it may die out or grow unchecked and throw the ecosystem off-balance.
Which of these species should be included in the boreal habitat? Only 5 of these are not. When you've identified those 5 species, rearrange the first letter of their names to get a 5 letter word. Then, click the next button and select that word on the next page. You can also drag the species to different points on the screen to separate them. Good luck!
MEMOS
BREWS
POWER
TREES
COILS
DEPOT
MICRO
EDGES
MAGIC
POLES
DIMES
MIMED
LIMPS
ROPES
Nice try, but that's incorrect. Remember, you can mouse over each species to determine their names, and think carefully about which 5 species should NOT be included in this habitat. Click the back arrow to look at the species and try again.
Congratulations! You've saved the boreal forests and reintroduced the right species to create a balanced ecosystem! Great job! Here's a note that was in the dirt.
__ N, _1_W
Now, click on the arrow icon to continue your journey!
Certain species of plants, often called weeds, can grow and reproduce quickly. When these plants are introduced into a new habitat, they can quickly outcompete and push out native vegetation. These plants must be controlled and exterminated to maintain the biodiversity of the native ecosystem.
Here are the plants that are currently in the Parklands of Alberta. Your job is to select only the invasive plants for removal, so that the native plants can prosper and the biodiversity of the ecosystem is restored. When you think you have identified the invasive plants, press the forward button. You can also access the field notes of invasive plants here.
Which of these plants is the Spotted Knapweed?
That's correct!
Which of these plants is the Garlic Mustard?
That's right!
Which of these plants is the Purple Loosestrife?
Keep going!
Which of these plants is the Puncturevine?
Last one!
Which of these plants is the Yellow Starthistle?
Hmmm... you may have selected the wrong invasive plant. Remember to take a look at the field guide to help you identify the correct plants. You got this! Click the back button to try again.
It looks like you successfully identified all the invasive plants! Awesome work! Now, the native plants in the Parklands will be able to grow and prosper, improving the biodiversity of the area! Click the forward arrow to go on to a new area.
Here's another note.
__ N, __4W
Where is Dr. Cyber located?
It looks like you picked a wrong location. Remember to click exactly where you think Dr. Cyber is located, and make sure you understand what the numbers mean. Click the back arrow to try again.
You've found Dr. Cyber!
After identifying Dr. Cyber's location in Calgary, you quickly race to her home. Breaking in the door, you find that she is sitting on a chair, seemingly awaiting your arrival. "I've been waiting for you. Great job on finding me and sorry for the wild goose chase. The reason for visiting the bioregions was to show you that as humans, we are the ones that are destroying the environment. We need to be more aware of what is going on and take steps to become sustainable and protect our future. You nod, and are relieved that your job is done. You bid farewell to Dr. Cyber, and head home after an eventful day.
This program was made possible by generous funding from the NSERC PromoScience Supplement for Science Literacy Week — thank you!
Thank you so much for playing Biodiversity Scientist Rescue! Please check out the two non-profit organizations which brought you this escape room by clicking on the logos on the bottom of the screen.
Cybermentor
Cybermentor inspires girls in science and engineering. Started in 2001, this province-wide program matches girls in grades 6-12 with female role models in science, technology, engineering and math, using an innovative free online mentoring platform.
www.cybermentor.ca
Escape with STEM
We are a non-profit organization that develops STEM-based escape room puzzles and experiences to inspire students to explore STEM related education and career opportunities. Try out our online escape rooms on our website!
www.escapewithstem.com