Great Lakes Lesson Plans and Activities

for Teachers

Tammy DaenzerMarshall Greene Middle School

Birch Run Area Schools, Birch Run, Michigantdaenzer@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.07.81Explain 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 LiteracyEssential 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?

Part II:

An Introduction to the Great Lakes

Great Lakes LiteracyEssential 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

Part III:

Threats to the Great Lakes

Great Lakes LiteracyEssential 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.

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.

http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/publications/X99

Displayed on a Gallery Walk

Classroom Activities• Students demonstrate knowledge

choosing one of three authentic assessment tools.