aidemia--modules-courseplan_type	Create a plan of a course
Which subject	English
What age group	Year or Grade 3
What topic	Wolves in Yellowstone National Park
Number of lessons	35
Split into modules
Add goal and aims
Add intro
Add references
Any other preferences	I want a writing unit that includes information for science, social studies, reading, math and writing. The writing will cover cause and effect, compare and contrast, opinion and a final research project. We will be adopting a wolf from a wolf preserve. We will be going on a field trip to another preserve. We will be keeping a journal and watching wolfcams daily. We might do a virtual field trip halfway through the unit.

Course Plan: Wolves in Yellowstone National Park

Introduction

Welcome to the "Wolves in Yellowstone National Park" course designed for Year 3 students! This exciting journey will explore the eco-system of Yellowstone National Park, focusing on the role of wolves, their habitats, and their importance to the environment. Throughout 35 lessons, students will engage in interdisciplinary learning that combines English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Math, alongside creative writing and critical thinking. By the end of the course, students will not only enhance their knowledge about wolves but also cultivate a sense of responsibility and admiration for wildlife conservation.

Course Goals and Aims

• Goal: To develop an understanding of wolves’ ecological role in Yellowstone National Park and foster a collaborative spirit for wildlife conservation.
• Aims:
  1. Identify the characteristics and behaviors of wolves.
  2. Explore the ecosystem of Yellowstone and the impact of wolves on it.
  3. Develop skills in writing various forms, including cause and effect, compare and contrast, and opinion pieces.
  4. Engage in scientific observation through journals and virtual field trips.
  5. Foster a connection to wildlife through adoption of a wolf from a preservation program.

Course Modules and Lessons

Module 1: Introduction to Wolves

• Lesson 1: What are Wolves?
  Understanding basics about wolves, their species, and characteristics.

• Lesson 2: Habitat of Wolves in Yellowstone
  Exploring the natural habitat and environment of wolves in the park.

• Lesson 3: The Life Cycle of a Wolf
  Learning about wolf reproduction and growth stages.

Module 2: Wolves in the Ecosystem

• Lesson 4: The Role of Wolves in Yellowstone
  Explaining the concept of an apex predator and its influence on ecosystem balance.

• Lesson 5: Food Chains and Food Webs
  Learning how wolves fit into the Yellowstone food web.

• Lesson 6: Effects of Wolf Reintroduction in Yellowstone (1995)
  Studying historical events and their impacts on the environment.

Module 3: Interdisciplinary Connection—Science and Social Studies

• Lesson 7: Monitoring Wildlife in Yellowstone
  Understanding how scientists track animal populations.

• Lesson 8: Conservation Efforts for Wolves
  Discussing conservation organizations and the importance of preserving wildlife.

• Lesson 9: Native American Stories and Wolves
  Learning how different cultures view wolves and their symbolism.

Module 4:Observation and Artistry

• Lesson 10: Daily Journal on Wolfcam Observations
  Starting a journal to record daily observations from wolf cameras.

• Lesson 11: Creative Drawing of Wolves
  Engaging in artistic expression related to wolves and their environment.

Module 5: Writing Workshops

• Lesson 12: Introduction to Cause and Effect Writing
  Learning the cause and effect relationship regarding wolves in nature.

• Lesson 13: Writing Cause and Effect Paragraphs
  Students write about the impact of wolves on the ecosystem.

• Lesson 14: Compare and Contrast Wolves and Other Predators
  Exploring similarities and differences with a focus on cougars or bears.

• Lesson 15: Writing Compare and Contrast Essays
  Students draft essays comparing wolves to another predator.

• Lesson 16: Opinion Writing on Wolf Conservation
  Students express their views on why preserving wolves is important.

• Lesson 17: Writing an Opinion Piece
  Crafting a persuasive letter to convince others about wolf conservation.

Module 6: Mathematics and Data

• Lesson 18: Measuring the Size of Wolf Packs
  Understanding numbers and data through math activities related to wolf packs.

• Lesson 19: Graphing Data on Wolf Populations
  Creating charts and graphs relating to local wolf populations.

Module 7: Field Experiences

• Lesson 20: Preparing for the Field Trip to a Wolf Preserve
  Discuss the importance of the trip and what to expect.

• Lesson 21: Field Trip Experience
  Students explore the wolf preserve and take notes for reflections.

• Lesson 22: Reflection Journals Post-Field Trip
  Writing reflections based on field trip experiences.

Module 8: Virtual Learning and Global Perspectives

• Lesson 23: Virtual Field Trip: Wolves Around the World
  A digital journey exploring wolves in different environments globally.

• Lesson 24: Comparing Different Wolf Populations
  Researching and presenting on wolves in various regions.

Module 9: Research Projects

• Lesson 25: Research Project Introduction
  Explaining the structure and purpose of the final research project.

• Lesson 26: Choosing Topics for Research on Wolves
  Students select specific areas of interest related to wolves.

• Lesson 27: Research Methods for Gathering Information
  How to find reputable sources about wolves.

• Lesson 28: Compiling Research for Projects
  Students draft research notes and organize their information.

• Lesson 29: Preparing Presentations
  Teaching students how to create presentations from their research.

Module 10: Conclusion and Sharing

• Lesson 30: Presenting Research on Wolves
  Students present their findings to classmates.

• Lesson 31: Reflecting on the Course Experience
  Group discussions about what they learned and experienced.

• Lesson 32: Adopting a Wolf—Understanding Responsibility
  Discussing the commitment involved in adopting a wolf.

• Lesson 33: Creating a Class Wolf Book
  Compiling writings, drawings, and research into a book.

• Lesson 34: End of Course Celebration and Review
  Celebrating students' achievements with presentations and sharing.

• Lesson 35: Final Reflections and Journaling
  Writing final thoughts and feelings about their journey through the course.

References

• Mech, L. D., & Boitani, L. (2003). Wolves: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation. University of Chicago Press.
• National Geographic Society. (2020). "Wolves". Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/wolves
• Yellowstone National Park. (2021). "Wolves in Yellowstone". Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/wolves.htm
• Smith, D. W., & Bangs, E. E. (2009). Wolf Restoration in Yellowstone: Past, Present, and Future. Montana State University.
• Packham, J. (2018). Wolves of the World. Firefly Books.

This course aims not only to educate but also to inspire a love for nature and conservation efforts among students!