Learning Objective:
3. The student will predict the effects of changes in ecosystems caused by living organisms, including humans, such as the overpopulation of grazers or the building of highway.
3. The student will predict the effects of changes in ecosystems caused by living organisms, including humans, such as the overpopulation of grazers or the building of highway.
The teacher will begin the day by posting a few thought provoking quotes and asking the children to participate in a class discussion on what they think the quotes mean in terms of the effects humans have on ecosystems.
"A lot of work and money has been spent on
astronomy and yet we have not found life. So we are rare, and rare things tend
to be fragile and you have to be careful about them"- Right Honorable John Gummer, Member of
Parliament
astronomy and yet we have not found life. So we are rare, and rare things tend
to be fragile and you have to be careful about them"- Right Honorable John Gummer, Member of
Parliament
Emphasis should be drawn to the delicate balance between commercial developments/ growing societies with nature, and that we, humans, are responsible for keeping that balance.
"We all tend to feel better in the natural environment- so why are we working so hard to destroy it?"- Dr. Michael Dixon
Activity:
How many bears can live in this forest?
Who's ready to practice their acting skills with "How many bears can live in this forest?" The students will act out this activity twice, once with no human influence, and then a second time after humans have impacted the bears' environment. Before the students begin the second round, the teacher will have them predict what impact the humans may have had on the bears' survival rates.
After the bear activity, the students will break into their groups for the commercial and will begin writing their scripts for tomorrow's commercial shoot. The scripts will need to be handed in to the teacher as the children leave class so that the teacher can check for accuracy.
"Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the natural history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your county of its beauty, its riches or its romance." -Theodore Roosevelt
To wrap up the day's
topics, the teacher will post this quote on the board. She will read it to them
as they gather their things and ask them to think about these words, what they
may mean, and how they impact them as the next generation.