aidemia--modules-courseplan_type	Create a plan of a course
Which subject	Natural science
What age group	Year or Grade 3
What topic	Wolves in Yellowstone National Park and Other Endangered Yellowstone National Park Wildlife
Number of lessons	25
Split into modules
Add goal and aims
Add intro
Add references
Any other preferences	We will study webcams, look at researching and research, we will adopt animals from conservation websites to use in our research study during the course of the year, we will look at informational writing for our research, we will identify and read fiction writing to see how endangered animals are portrayed in writing. We will look at perspectives of humans in relation to endangered animals, we will plan field trips, virtual and in person to go and observe our chosen endangered animal we are focusing on.. the class will focus on wolves.we will be adopting a class wolf, virtual field trip to another preserve wolf preserve and an in person field trip to another location. As a class we can visit a zoo, and or acquarium and hopefully get a guide from the zoo to help with our learning. Please include New Jersey standards related to all work, please include essential questions, higher order thinking order thinking questions, I can statements,materials, I do we do you do lesson plans, engagin

Course Plan: Wolves in Yellowstone National Park and Other Endangered Wildlife

Introduction

This course will focus on understanding wolves and other endangered species in Yellowstone National Park. Students will engage with a blend of scientific studies, literature, field trips, and virtual experiences, including webcam observations and adopting animals via conservation websites. By the end of this course, students will gain insights into the ecological significance of wolves, the challenges they face, and how humans perceive and interact with endangered species. Our primary goal is to inspire a sense of stewardship and empathy towards wildlife through interactive and project-based learning.

Course Goals and Aims

Goals:

• To understand the ecological role of wolves in Yellowstone National Park.
• To explore endangered species and the importance of conservation.
• To develop research, writing, and presentation skills.

Aims:

• Promote critical thinking about human-animal relationships.
• Encourage engagement with wildlife through various media and field experiences.
• Cultivate a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and conservation efforts.

New Jersey Student Learning Standards Alignment

• Science Standards (NGSS): 3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-2 (Life Science)
• English Language Arts Standards: Reading Informational Text (RI.3.1, RI.3.7), Writing (W.3.2), Speaking and Listening (SL.3.1)

Essential Questions

1. Why are wolves important in the ecosystem of Yellowstone National Park?
2. What challenges do endangered species face in their habitats?
3. How can literature influence our perception of endangered animals?
4. In what ways can we contribute to wildlife conservation?

Higher Order Thinking Questions

• How does the reintroduction of wolves affect other animal populations and plant communities?
• In what ways can storytelling encourage conservation efforts?
• What actions can individuals take to support endangered species?

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Wolves and Yellowstone

1. Lesson 1: Introduction to Wolves – Characteristics and Behavior
   Goal: Identify key characteristics of wolves.
   Materials: Videos, wolf images, discussion prompts.
   I Do: Introduce wolves with a video.
   We Do: Discuss characteristics as a group.
   You Do: Create a wolf fact sheet.

2. Lesson 2: Yellowstone National Park Overview
   Goal: Understand the significance of Yellowstone as a national park.
   Materials: Maps, videos, and park brochures.
   I Do: Present a brief history of Yellowstone.
   We Do: Review maps and identify key features.
   You Do: Create a personal map of Yellowstone.

3. Lesson 3: The Wolf Reintroduction Project
   Goal: Learn about the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone.
   Materials: Articles, videos.
   I Do: Discuss the history of wolves in Yellowstone.
   We Do: Review articles in small groups.
   You Do: Write a reflection on opinions about reintroduction.

Module 2: Endangered Species in Yellowstone

4. Lesson 4: Introduction to Endangered Species
   Goal: Define endangered species and their significance.
   Materials: Chart paper, technology for research.
   I Do: Explain the definition and criteria.
   We Do: Brainstorm endangered species in groups.
   You Do: Create a poster showcasing one endangered species.

5. Lesson 5: Researching Endangered Animals
   Goal: Develop research skills.
   Materials: Library resources, internet access.
   I Do: Demonstrate how to use research tools.
   We Do: Research as a class on a chosen species.
   You Do: Conduct individual research on an endangered species.

Module 3: Adoption and Conservation

6. Lesson 6: Animal Adoption Process
   Goal: Understand the significance of animal adoption in conservation.
   Materials: Conservation websites, adoption forms.
   I Do: Show examples of conservation programs.
   We Do: Discuss the animal adoption process.
   You Do: Choose and "adopt" a wolf.

7. Lesson 7-8: Virtual Field Trip to a Wolf Preserve
   Goal: Experience wolves in their habitat virtually.
   Materials: Virtual field trip links, observation sheets.
   I Do: Introduce the field trip platform.
   We Do: Participate in a guided virtual tour.
   You Do: Fill out observation sheets.

Module 4: Fiction and Non-Fiction about Wolves

8. Lesson 9: Fictional Portrayals of Wolves
   Goal: Analyze how wolves are represented in literature.
   Materials: Selected fiction texts, reading logs.
   I Do: Read a short story with wolf representation.
   We Do: Discuss themes and representations.
   You Do: Compare two different depictions of wolves.

9. Lesson 10: Informational Writing Techniques
   Goal: Understand the components of informational writing.
   Materials: Writing templates, examples.
   I Do: Teach use of structured writing.
   We Do: Develop an outline as a class.
   You Do: Write a paragraph about your adopted animal.

Module 5: Human Perspectives

10. Lesson 11: Human-Wildlife Interactions
    Goal: Examine how humans interact with wildlife.
    Materials: Videos, articles on human impacts.
    I Do: Present case studies.
    We Do: Discuss in groups.
    You Do: Create a pros and cons list about wolves.

11. Lesson 12: Perspectives of Native Americans on Wolves
    Goal: Learn about cultural perspectives on wolves.
    Materials: Cultural resources, discussion prompts.
    I Do: Introduce Native American views on wolves.
    We Do: Compare various perspectives.
    You Do: Write a paragraph about an assigned perspective.

Module 6: Field Trips and Observations

12. Lesson 13: Planning a Field Trip to a Local Zoo/Aquarium
    Goal: Plan a visit to learn about wolves and other wildlife.
    Materials: Zoo/aquarium brochures, planning sheets.
    I Do: Discuss logistics and goals for the trip.
    We Do: Create a trip agenda as a class.
    You Do: List what you hope to learn during the trip.

13. Lesson 14: In-Person Field Trip Experience
    Goal: Observe animals and engage with wildlife experts.
    Materials: Observation sheets, camera.
    I Do: Provide guidelines for field behavior.
    We Do: Engage with zoo staff for questions.
    You Do: Complete observation sheet.

Module 7: Consolidating Knowledge

14. Lesson 15: Presenting Our Findings
    Goal: Synthesize research in a presentation.
    Materials: Presentation software, project materials.
    I Do: Show examples of presentations.
    We Do: Collaborate on group presentations.
    You Do: Present animal findings to the class.

15. Lesson 16: Reflection on Learning
    Goal: Reflect on learning experiences and growth.
    Materials: Reflection journals.
    I Do: Model reflection writing.
    We Do: Share reflections in pairs.
    You Do: Write a full reflection piece.

Module 8: Conservation Action

16. Lesson 17: Create a Conservation Campaign
    Goal: Develop a campaign to raise awareness about wolves.
    Materials: Poster board, art supplies.
    I Do: Define goals for campaigns.
    We Do: Brainstorm campaign ideas.
    You Do: Create a campaign poster.

17. Lesson 18: Fundraising for Wildlife Conservation
    Goal: Learn about fundraising efforts for conservation.
    Materials: Fundraising examples, brainstorming sheets.
    I Do: Discuss how to fundraise.
    We Do: Plan a fundraising activity.
    You Do: Outline your fundraising plan.

Module 9: Assessment and Celebration

18. Lesson 19: Assessment and Review
    Goal: Assess overall knowledge and understanding.
    Materials: Quizzes, review activities.
    I Do: Review key concepts.
    We Do: Conduct a class quiz.
    You Do: Complete assessment.

19. Lesson 20: Celebration of Learning
    Goal: Celebrate and showcase learning.
    Materials: Celebration materials, presentation platform.
    I Do: Introduce celebration ideas.
    We Do: Plan the event together.
    You Do: Participate in the celebration.

20-25. Lessons 21-25: Guest Speakers, Additional Research, and Special Projects
Goal: Integrate outside knowledge and expertise.
Materials: Resources from guest speakers, project materials.
I Do: Introduce guest speakers.
We Do: Engage with experts.
You Do: Present a special project or research topic of interest related to wildlife.

Materials

• Videos and Digital Media
• Research Articles and Books
• Online Conservation Resources
• Art Supplies for Projects
• Observation Sheets and Writing Journal

References

1. National Park Service. (n.d.). Wolves of Yellowstone. Retrieved from nps.gov/yell/wolves
2. Wyoming Game and Fish Department. (n.d.). Wolf Management. Retrieved from wgfd.wyo.gov
3. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (n.d.). Endangered Species Program. Retrieved from fws.gov/Endangered
4. Project Wolf (n.d.). Zoo and Aquariums for Education Resources. Adapted from various wildlife resources.
5. Literature: "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London; "Wolves" by Seymour Simon (informational text).

This course structure provides a comprehensive plan for exploring the significance of wolves and endangered wildlife, aligned with educational standards while fostering curiosity and respect for ecology.