Louisiana Wetlands and the Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge
Title: Louisiana Wetlands and the Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge
Subject: Social Studies
Grade Level: 9Overview:
Students will conduct research to locate information concerning the importance of wetlands conservation and the impact it has on our environment. A pamphlet will be created using MS Publisher or Word to present their findings.
Approximate Duration: 3 - 50 minute classes
Content Standards:
Geography: Physical and Cultural Systems
Students develop a spatial understanding of Earth's surface and the processes that shape it, the connections between people and places, and the relationship between man and his environment.
Benchmarks:
G-1A-H1
using geographic representations, tools, and technologies to explain, analyze, and solve geographic problems; (1,2,3,4)
G-1B-H3
analyzing the various ways in which physical and human regions are structured and interconnected; (1,2,3,4)
G-1C-H5
describing and evaluating spatial distribution of economic systems and how economic systems affect regions; (1,3)
G-1D-H4
evaluating policies and programs related to the use of natural resources; (1,2,3,4,5)
G-1D-H5
developing plans to solve local and regional geographic problems related to contemporary issues. (1,2,3,4,5)
Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs):
Grade 9-12
9. Identify and analyze the distinguishing physical or human characteristics of a given place (e.g., landforms, precipitation, ecosystems, settlement patterns, economic activities) (G-1B-H1)
10. Evaluate how location, topography, climate, natural resources, and other physical characteristics affect human activities (e.g., cultural diversity, migration, physical features, historical events, plantation, subsistence farming) or the significance of a place (G-1B-H1)
11. Draw conclusions about a place or area from its geographic or physical features (G-1D-H2)
46. Assess the role of government in preserving natural resources and protecting the physical environment (G-1D-H4)
47. Evaluate the effectiveness of policies and programs related to conservation and use of natural resources (G-1D-H4)
Interdisciplinary Connections:
Science : Science and the Environment
In learning environmental science, students will develop an appreciation of the natural environment, learn the importance of environmental quality, and acquire a sense of stewardship. As consumers and citizens, they will be able to recognize how our personal, professional, and political actions affect the natural world.
Educational Technology Standards:
Collaborate (e.g., desktop conferencing, e-mail, on-line discussions) with peers, experts, and others to compile, synthesize, produce and disseminate information, models, and other creative works.
Evaluate technology-based options for lifelong learning.
Use appropriate technology to locate, retrieve, organize, analyze, evaluate, and communicate information for problem solving and decision making.
Evaluate the usage of technology and the processes involved during and upon completion of individual and group projects.
Objectives:
1. The learner will view a video to gain an understanding of wetland habitats and conservation.
2. The learner will research selected web sites to gain information concerning Louisiana Wetlands.
3. The learner will visit a local refuge such as Black Bayou Lake NWR to identify and analyze the distinguishing physical characteristics of a given place.
4. The learner will use the information gained from the activities to create a pamphlet about wetlands.
Lesson Materials and Resources:
pencils/paper
class text
Technology Tools and Materials:
Hardware:
computer
printer
Software:
Microsoft Publisher
TrackStar
internet access
Websites:
TrackStar: Louisiana wetlands and the Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge
http://trackstar.4teachers.org/trackstar/ts/viewTrack.do?number=257712
LPB CyberChannel Video: Freshwater Wetlands: Water: A User's Guide
http://www.lpb.org/education/cyberchannel.cfm
Background Information:
1. Students will have an understanding of the loss of land in Louisiana coastal areas.
2. Students should have some knowledge of wetlands.
3. Students should be familiar with using a basic internet search engine and Microsoft Word or Publisher.
Lesson Procedures:
1. Introduce the lesson with a United Streaming video - Freshwater Wetlands: Water: A User's Guide (10:00). Prompt students to watch and take notes to gain information on topics such as wetland alteration, water conservation, and wetland restoration. The teacher will use Inspiration software to generate a class list of details related to these topics after viewing the video.
2. Tell students that the internet will be used to research wetland conservation and environmental protection issues to create a pamphlet depicting these topics.
3. Place students in groups and have them log on to TrackStar and complete the track on Louisiana wetlands. Students will record their answers on notebook paper.
4. After completing the TrackStar activity, students will add new information gained to the Inspiration list.
5. The class will go on a field trip to Black Bayou Lake NWR to observe elements of a wetland refuge. They will watch a video containing information about the purposes of a refuge and view exhibits in the Visitors Center. Students will use digital cameras to take pictures of the Black Bayou Lake NWR in preparation for developing a pamphlet containing information about it.
6. Students will create a pamphlet using the information gathered through research and the field trip to Black Bayou Lake NWR. MS Publisher is recommended to develop the pamphlet, but other programs such as Word or Print Shop could be used.
7. Students present pamphlet to the class. A checklist will be used to assess the project.
Assessment Procedures:
1. Checklist to assess project
2. Pamphlet
Accommodations/Modifications:
Assign buddy system to accommodate slower learners or students needing modifications.
----- written by Robert Bratton
Reproducible Materials:
LA Wetlands Checklist
Lesson Development Resources:
1. GLE's and model curriculum format
2. Microsoft templates
Contact Information:
Robert Bratton
robert.bratton@mcschools.net
Neville High School
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