Superior View Hike

Read Fall 2002 almanac article

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.

Classroom Connections*

• Journal page download
• Pre-visit activities
• Post-visit activities
• Links to Lake Superior and the Superior Hiking Trail information and activities on the web

*requires Wolf Ridge password