Great Lakes Lesson Plans and Activities for Teachers Tammy Daenzer Marshall Greene Middle School Birch Run Area Schools, Birch Run, Michigan tdaenzer@birchrunschools.org

Overview: These lesson plans are part of a 7th grade science unit on Fluid Earth Systems and Human Activities. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/5-7_Science_GLCE_Companion_Document_v.1.09_2_264472_7.pdf

State Benchmarks: E.ES.07.11 Demonstrate, using a model or drawing, the relationship between the warming by the sun of the Earth and the water cycle as it applies to the atmosphere.

State Benchmarks: E.ES.07.81 Explain the water cycle. Describe how evaporation, transpiration, condensation, cloud formation, precipitation, infiltration, surface runoff and ground water occur within the cycle.

State Benchmarks: E.ES.07.82 Analyze the flow of water between the components of a watershed, including surface features (lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands) and groundwater.

State Benchmarks: E.ES.07.41 Explain how human activities do change the surface of the Earth and affect the survival of organisms.

State Benchmarks: E.ES.07.42 Describe the origins of pollution in the hydrosphere and how pollution impacts habitats, climatic change, threatens or endangers species.

Part I: How Wet is Our Planet?

Great Lakes Literacy Essential Principal 1 The Great Lakes, bodies of fresh water with many features, are connected to each other and to the world ocean. http://coseegreatlakes.net/news/20100701

Learning Objectives Explain the water cycle Identify the sun as the source of energy for the water cycle Analyze the flow of water between the components of a watershed

Learning Objectives Explain why only a small percentage of Earth’s water is available for human needs Make a model of where all the Earth’s water is located

Classroom Activities Explain the Water Cycle and Analyze the Flow of Water in a Watershed Hydrosphere Notes

Classroom Activities Students construct a model to visually display the parts of the water cycle and identify the sun as the source of energy 3D Model

Classroom Activities Make a model of where all the water is located on Earth How Wet Is Our Planet?

An Introduction to the Great Lakes Part II: An Introduction to the Great Lakes

Great Lakes Literacy Essential Principal 8 The Great Lakes are socially, economically and environmentally significant to the region, the nation and the planet. http://coseegreatlakes.net/news/20100701

Learning Objectives Identify the Great Lakes as a valuable resource Recognize the Great Lakes by location, shape, and size

Learning Objectives Identify 8 states and 2 Canadian provinces that border the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Describe the flow of water from the Great Lakes to the Ocean

Classroom Activities Introduce the Great Lakes Test Your Knowledge of the Great Lakes PowerPoint

Classroom Activities Present information on the Great Lakes as a resource, including a look at the history, developing industries, & economic impacts Great Lakes Facts

Classroom Activities Students examine various maps, a system profile, and a video about canals and locks while engaged in an activity. Rope Model of the Great Lakes

Classroom Activities Students demonstrate knowledge through scientific discourse. Discussion Questions

Threats to the Great Lakes Part III: Threats to the Great Lakes

Great Lakes Literacy Essential Principal 6 The Great Lakes and Humans in their Watersheds are inextricably interconnected. http://coseegreatlakes.net/news/20100701

Learning Objectives Recognize potential threats to the Great Lakes Describe the effects of toxic chemicals in the Great Lakes

Learning Objectives Explain how aquatic invasive species enter the Great Lakes Identify the risks associated with aquatic invasive species Discover actions that can help protect the Great Lakes

Classroom Activities Read Aloud

Classroom Activities Present information on potential threats to the Great Lakes and allow students to participate in a debate about nuclear waste. Threats to the Great Lakes

Classroom Activities A guest speaker from the Bay City State Recreation Area will present information on DDT. The Story of the Bald Eagle

Classroom Activities Present new information about invasive species.

Classroom Activities Students continue to learn about invasive species while engaged in an activity. But I Was Here First

Classroom Activities Students extend their learning of invasive species through research and demonstrate their knowledge by creating an “unwanted” poster. Displayed on a Gallery Walk http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/publications/X99

Classroom Activities Students demonstrate knowledge choosing one of three authentic assessment tools.