Get Outside!

Superior Snowshoe

Class Description:

After a short introduction to several different types of snowshoes, students use snowshoes provided by Wolf Ridge to travel to one of several Superior Hiking Trail overlooks above Lake Superior. Taking breaks along the way, students will learn about the natural history of one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, and discuss the many ways in which we can effect the lake and ways in the which the lake effects us. Routes leading over one of Wolf Ridge's two frozen lakes, or through the frozen wetlands will provide plenty of opportunity to discover this winter landscape as students stay far away from designated trails. See also Ojibwe Snowshoe.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Superior Snowshoe Class, students will be able to:

  • Identify and name the five Great Lakes.
  • Compare the characteristics Lake Superior and Lake Baikal.
  • Express the value of Lake Superior in terms of its immensity and grandeur.
  • Compare and contrast different materials and styles of snowshoes and bindings.
  • Demonstrate the ability to maneuver across the snow on snowshoes.
  • Evaluate the advantages of snowshoes for winter travel.
  • Recommend the equipment necessary for a safe winter snowshoe hike.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

Wolf Ridge has aligned the Center's entire curriculum to Minnesota Department of Education Academic Standards. As the primary student audience at Wolf Ridge is from 4th-12th grade, the matrices address these grade levels. Teachers may request that their students focus upon a specific benchmark while attending Wolf Ridge. The Wolf Ridge Curriculum Standards Matrix addresses benchmarks in

  • Science
  • Math
  • History and Social Science
  • Language Arts
  • Arts

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

  • Ecosystems -All living and nonliving components of an environment interact with one another to form an ecosystem.
  • Outdoor Recreation- Lifelong participation in outdoor physical activities promotes a healthy relationship between people and the environment.
  • Outdoor Recreation- Using physical skills allows us to reach remote natural areas, and gain a sense of place.
  • Outdoor Recreation- Outdoor experiences and behaviors help develop an outdoor ethic.
  • See entire Wolf Ridge Curriculum Framework

 

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Time
3 hours total
2 1/2 hours outdoors

Audience
4th grade - adult

Activity level
strenuous

Travel
3 mile

Total uphill travel
300 feet