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Wolf Ridge class info

Wildlife Management Classroom Connections

The Wolf Ridge Wildlife Management class provides many extension possiblilites for the classroom. Tie-ins can be made to a variety of topics including biodiversity, land use, resource use, populations, 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. Plant Identification Skills
Work on identification skills using all types of field guides from simple picture keys (Peterson Field Guide Series, Golden Guides, etc.) to dichotomous keys (see Trees and Keys lesson plan). Plan to identify only a few plants with your students. Students will better understand local diversity and characteristics which differentiate species from species without being overwhelmed.

Post-Visit Activities

1. Government Protection of Wetlands
Research wetlands protection in the United States. Where are most of our protected wetlands? What organizations are responsible for that protection? What exactly are they doing? Information can be found on the internet (MN Dept. of Natural Resources, www.dnr.state.mn.us; National Wetlands Inventory, www.nwi.fws.gov; US Geological Survey, www.usgs.gov).

Links

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Wolf Ridge Class Information

Class Description:

Students will define wildlife management and learn the history of wildlife management programs. Playing an outside game will teach them wildlife needs and management techniques. During their tour of Wolf Ridge management plots, they will observe animal signs in relation to habitat, play games demonstrating the inter-relationships of animals and habitat and participate in management techniques that may include feeding and cutting and piling. To conclude the class, students will relate wildlife management to diversity needs and what they can do to care for wildlife.

Total time: 3 hours (two hours outdoors)
Audience: 6-20 students, 4th grade through adult
Activity level: strenuous
Travel: 1 1/4 mile
Total uphill travel: 320 feet

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Wildlife Management class students will be able to:

Identify the four components of habitat and the role habitat plays in an animal's survival.

Describe one action they could personally take to manage wildlife.

List at least 3 causes of reduction of numbers of a species.

Explain why diversity is important.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

The Wildlife Management 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.

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Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

• A rich habitat will support a greater number of species and individuals than a poor habitat.
• Habitat loss, un-regulated hunting, pollution, expolitation/collection and unique biological requirements can reduce a population of a species.
• Diversity is the key to stability.