Learning Task 3: Lake Winnipeg Ecosystem

​

 

Activate

Teacher will need a Jenga game or some blocks built up into a tower for the activating part of this lesson.

Create your tower in front of the class so all students can see it. Explain to them that this tower represents the Lake Winnipeg ecosystem. Every block represents a different piece. At this point, you can show them the Word Splash on the board so they can make the connection. Explain to them that when important elements are removed, the ecosystem falls out of balance. At this point, remove some blocks from the base and show them how delicate the tower is. Now, add some pieces to the top, explain to students that sometimes there is an abundance of some parts of the ecosystem that add to the unbalance. Again, show them how delicate the tower is. Continue this process until the tower collapses.

​

Acquire

Show the BLM 35 on the board and discuss it with the students. Explain that these are elements that take away from the Lake Winnipeg ecosystem (Example: kill plants or animals, add dangerous chemicals to the water etc.)

Students will now launch into an investigation of to how the Lake has become polluted. Through online research, they can identify potential polluters and current polluters. It is at this point that the teacher may want to invite local guest speakers (local farmers, speakers from the Lake Winnipeg Foundation, residence of the area) to come in and talk with the class. Teacher may ­­­­­­to Lake Winnipeg.

​

Apply

Have students grouped together in small groups. After learning about ecosystems and specifically the Lake Winnipeg Ecosystem, and after hearing from locals impacted by the Lake Winnipeg situation, students will now begin an awareness and change campaign.

The project can take on many forms from posters, art displays, websites/blogs, holding an information night, fundraising projects or any other form. Teacher is encouraged to act a support for students and to help facilitate their projects by providing materials/technology that they may need. Criteria for this assignment should be created with students and possibly on a group to group basis if there are large differences between each groups ideas. Teacher is encouraged to make these projects as public as possible to hopefully raise as much awareness and affect as much change as possible.

​

Possible Adaptations

Minimize the amount of choice that student(s) have for the medium of their project.

Create a plan with student(s) to help guide them through this more open project.

Revisit, reflect daily with student(s) to help set goals for each class dedicated to project work.