Environmental Literacy Model (ELM) Using the Environment as Context for Integrating s & into Learning Objectives Driving Question Context Setting Define & Ask Questions Plan & Conduct s Analyze & Interpret Data Construct Explanations & Refine Conclusions Develop a Claim Design a Solution & Implement Action Evaluate Action
NGSS HS-ESS3 ELM Alignment Example HS-ESS3 Earth and Human Activity ESS3.C: How do humans change the planet? Local: How does land use and human development impact the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed? Identify closest water sources and other land use/water features near school/neighborhood via interactive map: http://maryland.fieldscope.org/v3/maps Define & Ask Questions Plan & Conduct s How have human activities affected water quality over the past 30 years? Conduct a schoolyard or local stream investigation DNR Explore and Restore Maryland Streams: http://dnr2.maryland.gov/education/pages/teacher_resources.aspx Maryland DNR Stream Wader Program: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/streams/streamwaders.asp Students will compare data from local investigations with the local municipal's watershed action plan and the Dept of Natural Resources Watershed website: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/watersheds/surf/ Students will use evidence to construct explanations about the local factors directly impacting water quality and impact to the watershed. Students will make a claim about the human factors impacting water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed Students may contact local programs and organizations for ideas about remediating water quality such as: Explore and restore Maryland s streams Stream Stewardship Action Project: http://dnr2.maryland.gov/education/pages/action_projects.aspx NRCS Earth Team Volunteers (age restricted): http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/md/people/volunteers/ Bay Grasses in Classes: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/sav/bgic/ addressing water quality by comparing similar solutions
NGSS HS-LS4 ELM Alignment Example HS-LS4 Biological Evolution: Unity & Diversity LS4.D: What is biodiversity, how do humans affect it, and how does it affect humans? Local: How has the biological diversity changed in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and why? Maryland Dept of Ag webpage about the Emerald Ash Borer http://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/pages/eab.aspx Define & Ask Questions Plan & Conduct s How do human activities impact the presence of invasive species? How do invasive species impact the biodiversity of an ecosystem? Conduct a schoolyard or local bioblitz http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/activity/neighborh ood-bioblitz/?ar_a=1 Students will generate local data and compare with photos and data from the Maryland Biodiversity Project: http://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/ Students will use evidence to construct an explanation for the impact of the presence of non-native or invasive species in a particular ecosystem. Students will make a claim about how humans have influenced changes in biodiversity in the Chesapeake Bay watershed Students may contact local programs and organizations for ideas about addressing local biodiversity issues such as: Center for invasive species management http://www.weedcenter.org/education/k-12.html Maryland Biodiversity Project (www.marylandbiodiversityproject.com) Maryland Native Plant Society invasive species removal projects (http://www.mdflora.org/invasives.html) addressing biodiversity by comparing similar solutions
NGSS HS-LS2 ELM Alignment Example HS-LS2 Ecosystems: interactions, Energy & Dynamics LS2.C: What happens to ecosystems when the environment changes? Local: How have changes in land use impacted the ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay? Maryland Dept of Planning interactive maps (residential growth, census, land use, etc) http://www.mdp.state.md.us/ourproducts/imaps.shtml Define & Ask Questions Plan & Conduct s How many different types of land use are there and what are their impact on the environment? Can policies (e.g. smart growth) curb impact on ecosystems? Using maps, canvass at or near your school for land use types YardMap: interactive, citizen science mapping project about habitat creation and low-impact land use (www.yardmap.org) Students will compare data with environmental impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation on wildlife in Maryland Students will use evidence to construct explanations about population changes in an ecosystem. Students will make a claim about how ecosystems have changed due to habitat fragmentation in the Chesapeake Bay watershed Students will design a habitat restoration solution, such as: enhancing lawns or open space by planting native trees, shrubs or grasses; creating houses for birds or bats; creating or enhancing wildlife habitat. addressing habitat fragmentation by comparing similar solutions
CBF Baltimore Harbor Program ELM Alignment Example HS-LS4 Biological Evolution: Unity & Diversity LS4.D: What is biodiversity, how do humans affect it, and how does it affect humans? Local: How has the land use around the Baltimore Harbor affected the biodiversity in the Patapsco River? Students will observe shoreline landuse in different parts of the river, using maps images and charts as part of introductory activities on the boat Define & Ask Questions Plan & Conduct s How do human activities in Baltimore affect water quality in the Patapsco River? How does water quality affect biodiversity, population sizes, and species health? Students plan for and conduct biotic surveys using trawl nets, bottom graps and oyster dredge and compare to indices. Students plan for and collect abiotic data for water quality assessment such as: DO, ph, nutrients, turbidity and compare to indices & other estuarian systems Students catalogue different land uses (residential, commerical, industrial) using maps and images and chart the survey and water quality data and compare with other samples taken from different locations Students will use evidence from the investigation to construct explanations about inputs that affect the health of the ecosystem of the harbor (biodiversity and water quality) and make a claim about the influences of people Student Action Students will make a claim about how land use affects water quality and the relationship between water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. Based on investigation data & results, students will discuss ways in which they are connected to the Patapsco River/Baltimore Harbor, what positive and negative ways impact the ecosystem, and develop a solution for how to reduce impact in the watershed in order to improve water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. improving water quality and ecosystem health by continuing their observations of human impact in the watershed and for the Patapsco River/Baltimore ecosystem in particular.