Frozen Lake Study

Class Description:

In this aquatic ecology class, students will examine the ecosystem of Wolf Lake under the ice. Working in groups, they will explore the lake through holes drilled in the ice, from inside ice houses, and by sampling the ice itself. Studies will include ice depth and structure, lake bottom structure, plankton sampling, and possible catch and release ice fishing opportunities.

One adult monitor from the school must attend the class to assist with activity management.

Total time: 3 hours (two hours outdoors)
Audience: 6-20 students, 4th grade through adult
Activity level: Moderate
Travel: 1 1/2 mile
Total uphill travel: 250 feet

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Frozen Lake Study class students will be able to:

Understand and evaluate safe lake ice conditions.

Use a sonar and interpret its readings.

Determine the "livability" of the underwater environment in winter.

Understand how ice block cutting provided refrigeration before modern refrigerators came into use.

Examine a block of ice and interpret its history.

Understand where plankton belong in a food pyramid.

Give an example of how pollution enters an aquatic food chain.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

The Frozen Lake Study 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. Sciences 2.5: Environmental Studies, (dec. 1-4) (proc. 1) (tn 2,3,4)
H.S. Sciences 2.1 : Biological Concepts, (dec. 3,4,5)

8th Sciences G8.1: Living Systems, (dec. 2) (proc. 2) (tn 3,4,5)
8th Inquiry G8.1 Direct Observation (proc. 1be, 2bcd)
8th Mathematics G8.1: Shape, Space, Measure, (proc. 2)

5th Mathematics G5.1; Shape, Space, Measure, (proc. 5)
5th Sciences G5.1: Living and Non-living Systems (dec. 1) (proc. 1,2) (tn 1,2,3,4)

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

• There is life in every niche found on earth.
• Energy flows from one organism to another in a complex food web in Wolf Lake.
• A rich habitat will support a greater number of species than a poor habitat.
• The carrying capacity of a habitat is determined by availability of food, water, shelter, oxygen and space.
• Awareness, knowledge and appreciation lead to an understanding our impact on an ecosystem.

Classroom Connections*

• Journal page download
• Pre-visit activities
• Post-visit activities
• Links to Frozen Lake Study information and activities on the web

*requires Wolf Ridge password