This is a Wisconsin-based case study with data on how the size and distance of an island from the mainland can affect the number of different types of carnivores found on the island (Species Richness). Students are asked to graph data collected from the Apostle Islands and make a claim evidence and reasoning statement supported by data.

This resource has been reviewed using the HQIM rubric https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1P6wGNGU0PZwuiwOe0AohGZUL07YU7zZc7MOdaUbYeAY/edit?usp=sharing

This lesson plan can be connected to a career-ready path, as it focuses on important concepts related to biodiversity and the impact of human activities on it. Students who are interested in pursuing careers in biology, environmental science, ecology, conservation, or other related fields would benefit from gaining knowledge and skills related to biodiversity. Additionally, the research skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that students will develop in this lesson can be applied to a variety of careers. For example, individuals who work in conservation or environmental science may need to evaluate the impact of human activities on biodiversity and design solutions to mitigate negative effects. Overall, this lesson plan can help students gain valuable knowledge and skills that are relevant to a wide range of careers in the STEM fields.

This unit includes five nature journaling experiences implemented at High Marq Environmental Charter School during the 2021-22 school year. They are a bit of a grab bag in terms of subject and skills focus, but all included practices from How to Teach Nature Journaling by Emilie Lygren and John Muir Laws. Please Remix this template for your purposes.

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1-Understand how environmental pressures influenced the evolution of wings and how natural selection resulted in the diversity of bird species that exist today.
2-Understand the mechanics of flight and the anatomical features that provide lift and maneuverability in the air.

An introduction to the Unit, including timeline, a game, and ground rules. This class is where the students begin a foundation for learning the entire unit. They will make a sketchbook to hold the knowledge gained throughout the entire two weeks of the unit. They will take ownership over their time spent through the development of a timeline for completion.

The students will develop an understanding of how ethnographers studied the Native American uses of plants in the Wisconsin region. They will learn specically about Menominee, Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Meskwaki tribal uses of plants.