Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!

Grand Rapids Revitalization Project

Provided by: Grand Valley State University

Lesson Plans Grades 6-8, 9-12

Synopsis

In this collection of six lessons and two extension activities, students will research the Grand River Revitalization and Restoration Project, understanding the positives and negatives associated with the project's proposals.
Students will understand the impact of the project on the local economy, neighborhood access to the river, and native and non-native species populations.

Subjects: Biology, Geography

Authors: Groundswell Stewardship Initiative

Region: Southwest Michigan

Languages: English

Positives

The range of activities allows students to practice a multitude of skills while learning about the Grand River Restoration Project.
The activities are designed in a way that allows students to come to their own conclusions about the restoration project rather than telling them what to think.

Prerequisites

In the overview document, the link for Grand Rapids Destination Asset Study 2016 under Resources is broken. Students will also not be able to use the map in this document for Activity 1.3.
The Google Slides linked in 1.2 Take a Stand goes to a deleted and unavailable document. Teachers can use the slides in the first folder for this unit or use the link HERE.
In Activity 1.4, the link does not take students to a list of neighborhoods, making the activity difficult to complete.
In Activity 1.5, the second salmon link, the first and fourth rainbow trout links, the first walleye link, and the last link for Additional Sturgeon Information are broken.
In Activity 1.8a, some of the links for research are broken.
Some of the activities require students to have internet access but also provide alternatives.

Differentiation & Implementation

If students can't go to the Grand River and teachers want to use the story map, younger students or students with low reading stamina may benefit from seeing just a few excerpts of this story map and relevant pictures or videos, as reading the whole resource may overwhelm them.
To engage the community, teachers can invite community members to serve as judges for student presentations in Activity 1.3.
Students can make personal connections to the river by sharing their own experiences with recreation or businesses on the river.
When discussing the impact of the dam on sturgeon and sea lamprey, students can incorporate what they know about climate change and how it impacts native and non-native species.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.