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Lake |  |
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Lake | |
Class Description:
Lake Study is an aquatic ecology class. Students will examine the physical, chemical and biological properties of Wolf Lake. Wearing boots which are provided, and working in small groups, the students will test temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen. They will use nets to collect and examine aquatic animal life, and will evaluate the health of the lake based on their findings.
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 Lake Study class students will be able to:
- Understand and measure the temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen of an aquatic system.
- Examine and report upon the diversity of aquatic creatures captured.
- Recommend actions to preserve healthy lake environments.
Minnesota Graduation Standards
The 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.
Profile of Learning Element 6: Understanding and applying scientific concepts in natural and human-made environments.
Biology Standard 6.G8.1 Understands the interactions and interdependence of components of living systems. (Declaratives): Understands components of natural systems, their structure, how they function, and their relationships within a system. Understands implications of interactions between human and living systems. (Procedurals): Given a problem situation involving a complex system, describe a potential problem caused by a breakdown within the system, and for each problem predict effects at both sub-system and system levels. Develop models, explanations, designs, or rules for behavior which illustrate each of the problems and types of change predicted. Demonstrate basic safety procedures and skills when using tools and equipment. (Specifications): Students must be given opportunities to work in authentic settings. One aspect of the problem situation should address environmental concerns.
Ecology Standard 6.G5.1 Understands the components and relationships of living and non-living systems. (Procedurals): Within simulated or real-world situations, models or systems: identify, describe and classify components on the basis of their properties and their energy relationships, describe interactions among components, describe interactions between two of the systems, demonstrate or explain how a change in one of the components would affect the system, use data to predict change, select and use tools and materials appropriately. Demonstrate examples of how personal behaviors and use of materials have a positive impact on the environment. (Specification): Assessments should be related to students’ environment.
Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts
*requires Wolf Ridge password