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.

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.

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.