Created by Liz Birr
Biography:
Title of Lesson: Wolf Controversies and its Influence on Ecology Today
Subject Area: Biology, Environmental Science, or US History
Grade Level: 9-12
Approximate Time to Do Lesson: Four 50-minute class periods.
Tags: Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Wildlife, US History, Social Studies, Conservation
Overview: The theme of this lesson is the idea that misconceptions and misunderstandings about nature from generations ago still impact our treatment of wildlife and the subject of ecology today. The lesson will take place in three portions and will be primarily reading, brainstorming, and discussion-based.
Standards Addressed:
HS-LS2-6 Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
HS-LS2-7 Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
6.1.4 Growth and Change – explain the social, political, economic, and cultural shifts taking place in the United States at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century
Modifications for Diverse Learning Needs:
- Part 1 - The word web can be made digitally instead of on paper for those who struggle with writing.
- Part 2 - The reading level of the article can be lowered through an AI platform or some other similar program.
- Part 2 - The teacher could choose to read the article aloud and have students follow along, rather than have the students read it individually.
- Part 2 - The three lists that students will make while reading could be reduced to just two or one.
- Part 3 - The teacher should read the sources aloud.
- Part 3 - The number of questions can be reduced throughout the worksheet to accommodate students who need more time for completion of assignments.
Lesson Objectives:
Students will work to answer the following questions during this lesson series:
- What are the various thoughts and feelings that people have about wildlife, especially wolves?
- How do perceptions of wildlife from centuries ago still affect peoples’ perceptions today?
- How has our treatment of wildlife then and now affect the biodiversity and health of ecosystems today?
Download the Lesson Plans and Support Files Below
- Lesson 1: ILLI Wolf Controversies and its Influence on Ecology Today (document)
- Lesson 1: ILLI The Nature Fakers Worksheet Series (document)
- Resources for MISTEM 3PL Trainers (support files)