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Activity for The Guide: A Biologist in Gorongosa

Image of E.O. Wilson from the film

Topic

  • Environmental Science
  • Human Population & Impacts
  • Conservation
  • Scientific Skills & Literacy
  • Science as a Social Process

Resource Type

  • Activities
  • Film Activities

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Saved By
17 Users
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Description

This activity explores conservation biology topics presented in the short film The Guide: A Biologist in Gorongosa. This film tells the story of Tonga Torcida, a young man who discovers his passion for science in the newly revitalized Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique.

Growing up near Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique, Tonga Torcida dreamed of becoming a tour guide at the park. But when he meets ant biologist E. O. Wilson, his views of the world around him, and of his future, change drastically. Tonga decides to pursue a career in science and work to ensure that the park is enjoyed by future generations. The film weaves themes in conservation biology and environmental science, the value of scientific mentorship, and the social and economic realities of wilderness restoration. The “Student Handout” probes students’ understanding of the key concepts addressed in the film. The “Educator Materials” document provides suggested pause points in the film with questions for students, background information, and detailed discussion points; a list of related resources and references; and an answer key for the “Student Handout.”

Student Learning Targets

  • Explain the importance of protected areas for conserving wildlife.

  • Interpret data to explain how human activity has affected Gorongosa National Park.

Estimated Time

Two 50-minute class periods.

Key Terms

Africa, bioblitz, biodiversity, careers in science, conservation, wildlife

Terms of Use

The resource is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license. No rights are granted to use HHMI’s or BioInteractive’s names or logos independent from this Resource or in any derivative works.

Version History

Date Published 08.25.14
Date Updated 01.18.17

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS4-5, HS-ESS3-4; SEP6

AP Biology (2019)

ENE-4.B, SYI-1.H, SYI-3.G; SP2, SP4

IB Biology (2016)

C.1, C.4

AP Environmental Science (2020)

Topic(s): 2.1, 3.8, 9.9, 9.10
Learning Objectives & Practices: ERT-2.A, EIN-1.C, EIN-4.B, EIN-4.C, SP1, SP2, SP5, SP7

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

3.1, 3.3, 3.4

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9-12.2, ELA.WHST.9-12.9

Vision and Change (2009)

CC5; DP1

Materials

In-Depth Film Guide (PDF) 2 MB
Learning Assessment (PDF) 2 MB

Use This Resource With

Video Resource
The Guide: A Biologist in Gorongosa

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Educator Tips

Hear how educators are using BioInteractive content in their teaching.
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1-Minute Tips

The Guide

David Hong describes how he uses the short film "The Guide" with his AP® Environmental Science students to introduce the topic of conservation biology and challenges faced by nature reserves, such as Gorongosa National Park.
Educator in front of an African savanna scene
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1-Minute Tips

Gorongosa Interactive Timeline

Amanda Briody describes two BioInteractive resources focused on Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique. She uses the short film "The Guide" to introduce students to the park and its scientists.
View Article
Educator standing in front of several images of animals.
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1-Minute Tips

Creating Chains and Webs to Model Ecological Relationships

Sheila Smith explains how she uses the "Creating Chains and Webs" BioInteractive activity to teach her students about the direction of energy flow in food chains and webs. She also uses the short film "The Guide" to introduce the topic.
View Article
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