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Wolf Ridge class info

Superior View Hike Classroom Connections

The Wolf Ridge Superior View Hike class provides many extension possiblilites for the classroom. Tie-ins can be made to a variety of topics including geology, geography, and cultural history of the Lake Superior area, the value of recreational trails, fresh water studies, and more. Visit this page periodically as we will add new activities and links suggested by Wolf Ridge visiting school teachers, and eventually our own interactive on-line activities.

Pre-Visit Activities

1. Have the students draw an oversized map of Lake Superior. Assign each student the name of a medium to large city around the lake. Students should try to post thier city on the Lake Superior map in the correct location, then check an atlas to see if they are correct.

2. Have student research major port cities around the great lakes.

3. Using the internet, have students plan a vacation driving around Lake Superior. What route would they take? Where could they stop? What could they see?

Post-Visit Activities

1. Review the "All the Water In the World" Activity. There was five gallons of water in the starting bucket. Using simple math, students can figure out the exact amounts of water that should have gone into the other containers, eyedroppers, and drops.

2. What are the major bodies of water in your area? Students can identify and research the local watersheds. Students may be able to volunteer for or speak with members of a local watershed organization.

Links

Under construction.

Wolf Ridge Class Information

Class Description:

Students will take a three mile round trip hike along a section of the Wolf Ridge trail system and the Superior Hiking Trail. A spectacular overlook awaits them above Lake Superior. The instructor will involve students in a demonstration dealing with the importance of the lake’s fresh water before leaving the classroom. Stopping along the way at five different rest stops, students will examine the geology, history, and meteorology of the area.

Total time: 3 hours (2 hours 20 minutes outdoors)
Audience: 6-20 students, 4th grade through adult
Activity level: strenuous
Travel: 3 miles
Total uphill travel: 330 feet

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Lake Superior View Hike class students will be able to:

Recount the geologic history of Wolf Ridge and Lake Superior.

Express the importance and value of fresh water, Lake Superior specifically.

Understand the geography of Lake Superior and how it has affected human history along its shores.

Describe the main pollution threats to Lake Superior.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

The Superior View Hike class will provide students with guided practice, in an authentic setting, to support the following Graduations Standards. We have chosen one to three “major focus” standards per grade level. Due to the holistic nature of environmental education, several other standards, not listed here, are addressed as well.

• H.S. Decision Making: Physical Education and Fitness (B)

• Middle (6-8th) Decision Making: Physical Education and Fitness (6)
• Middle (6-8th) Sciences: Earth Systems

• Intermediate (4-5th) Decision Making: Physical Education and Fitness (6)
• Intermediate (4-5th) Sciences: Living and Non-Living Systems (4,5)

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

• Natural locations have inherent value.
• This location has been and is being affected by the natural and environmental history of the area.
• Many factors, such as weather patterns, imported/exported pollution, and watersheds can affect the health of Lake Superior.