1. Great Lakes Lesson Plans and Activities for Teachers Tammy Daenzer Marshall Greene Middle School Birch Run Area Schools, Birch Run, Michigan

2. Overview:
These lesson plans are part of a 7th grade science unit on Fluid Earth Systems and Human Activities.

3. 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.

4. State Benchmarks:
E.ES.07.81
Explain the water cycle. Describe how evaporation, transpiration, condensation, cloud formation, precipitation, infiltration, surface runoff and ground water occur within the cycle.

5. 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.

6. State Benchmarks:
E.ES.07.41
Explain how human activities do change the surface of the Earth and affect the survival of organisms.

7. 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.

8. Part I:
How Wet is Our Planet?

9. Great Lakes Literacy Essential Principal 1
The Great Lakes, bodies of fresh water with many features, are connected to each other and to the world ocean.

10. 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

11. 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

12. Classroom Activities
Explain the Water Cycle and Analyze the Flow of Water in a Watershed
Hydrosphere Notes

13. 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

14. Classroom Activities
Make a model of where all the water is located on Earth
How Wet Is Our Planet?

15. An Introduction to the Great Lakes
Part II:
An Introduction to the Great Lakes

16. Great Lakes Literacy Essential Principal 8
The Great Lakes are socially, economically and environmentally significant to the region, the nation and the planet.

17. Learning Objectives Identify the Great Lakes as a valuable resource
Recognize the Great Lakes by location, shape, and size

18. 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

19. Classroom Activities Introduce the Great Lakes
Test Your Knowledge of the Great Lakes PowerPoint

20. Classroom Activities
Present information on the Great Lakes as a resource, including a look at the history, developing industries, & economic impacts
Great Lakes Facts

21. 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

22. Classroom Activities
Students demonstrate knowledge through scientific discourse.
Discussion Questions

23. Threats to the Great Lakes
Part III:
Threats to the Great Lakes

24. Great Lakes Literacy Essential Principal 6
The Great Lakes and Humans in their Watersheds are inextricably interconnected.

25. Learning Objectives Recognize potential threats to the Great Lakes
Describe the effects of toxic chemicals in the Great Lakes

26. 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

27. Classroom Activities
Read Aloud

28. 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

29. Classroom Activities
A guest speaker from the Bay City State Recreation Area will present information on DDT.
The Story of the Bald Eagle

30. Classroom Activities Present new information about invasive species.

31. Classroom Activities
Students continue to learn about invasive species while engaged in an activity.
But I Was Here First

32. Classroom Activities
Students extend their learning of invasive species through research and demonstrate their knowledge by creating an “unwanted” poster.
Displayed on a Gallery Walk

33. Classroom Activities
Students demonstrate knowledge choosing one of three authentic assessment tools.