This is a lesson plan connecting careers to a science lesson about the removal of invasive species. It involves guest speakers, hands-on invasive species removal experience for learners, and opportunities for extension and learning more about careers related to the environment, science, and invasive species removal.

Through ongoing partnership with teachers across New York City, New Visions has developed this course map for a high school earth & space science course fully designed to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS). Each unit follows a common structure: students engage with an anchor phenomenon and develop questions; go through sequences of learning and sense-making to develop and iterate on answers to those questions; then complete a three-dimensional performance task.

Unit 1: Discovering New Worlds Topic: Solar System
Unit 2: Probability of Life in the Universe Topic: Early Solar System, Orbital Motion, and Origin of the Universe
Unit 3: Earthquakes and Tsunamis: Are we at Risk? Topic: Earth’s Interior_ Waves, Energy and Risk
Unit 4: Climate Change Throughout Human History Topic: Coevolution of Climate and Life
Unit 5: Human Decision Making Topic: Human Sustainability
Unit 6: More Hurricanes and Blizzards in NYC? Topic: Climate Change and Severe Weather

How do we get potable water from Lake Michigan? In this project we explore water filtration through a guest speaker from the water utility and two subsequent labs on water filtration and water testing to build career connectedness in the classroom.

Food Sovereignty, Climate Change, and The Three Sisters: Mandaamin (Corn), Mashkodesimin (Bean), Okosimaan (Squash, Pumpkin)Grade Level: 9 -12Content Area: Science, Indigenous knowledgeAuthor: Wendy Fuller, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School, High School Science TeacherIn an effort to encourage students to learn where their food comes from, make more informed decisions about what they eat and how what they eat impacts the environment, students are introduced to indigenous teachings regarding companion planting of food crops. In this remix of an earlier project, students expand their understanding of food sovereignty and the impact of climate change on the beings, The Three Sisters.

Context: The Bayfield High School Alternative Education program works collaboratively with the Red Cliff Treaty Natural Resources (TNR) Division on a variety of projects. One of the favorite projects focuses on monitoring carnivores in the Red Cliff/Bayfield area. One component of this project involves the placement of several remote trail cameras within local natural areas. TNR staff help students identify potential camera location areas. Several times throughout the school year, students retrieve the memory cards from the cameras and record observations based on the photos and videos. A second component of this project involves TNR providing the students with regular updates regarding progress of their ma’iingan (wolf) studies. TNR has access to data obtained from radio and GPS collared ma’iinganag (wolves) from a variety of local packs. Through this project, Bayfield students learn about wolf ecology, the cultural value of wolves, and connections to their immediate surroundings.