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Habitat Fieldwork Activity

Provided by: Michigan Sea Grant

Activity - Outdoors Grades 3-5, 6-8

Synopsis

This activity spans about three 50-minute class periods, including one class period spent in the field making observations and collecting data about water quality.
Students learn about the aquatic habitats of common fish and organisms in the Great Lakes.
The activity wraps up with a discussion of factors impacting the Great Lakes and what actions we can take to protect this ecosystem.

Subjects: Biology

Authors: Michigan Sea Grant, Center for Great Lakes Literacy

Region: Michigan

Languages: English

Positives

This activity gets students out of the classroom to do fieldwork and act like scientists.
Students learn about the importance of the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.
This activity can include graphing the data collected, allowing students to work on this critical math and science skill.

Prerequisites

Students will need access to thermometers to take water temperature and can make their own Secchi disk if one is not available.
Students should be familiar with the difference between observations and inferences.

Differentiation & Implementation

The activity includes ideas for extension, including how it can be used with older students.
The end of the activity mentions factors impacting the habitat and steps that can be taken to mitigate these impacts. Stormwater for Kids can be used to assist in teaching this part of the lesson and enhancing the climate change connection.
Student roles are given in the activity, but it may be helpful to have students collaborate on the more challenging tasks, like the data analyst.
This activity can be used as part of a unit on the water cycle.

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.