A Tale of Two Lakes
Using multiple data sources to investigate ecosystem dynamics and human impact on aquatic ecosystems.
This is a resource bank aimed to help teachers implement these data sources in their classrooms.
Visuals throughout the presentation are hyperlinked with the practical tools I used in implementation.
HS-LS2-6. Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex biotic and abiotic interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a modified ecosystem.
Data Literacy in Environmental Science
Real data, real decision making, real interesting to students
Data Analysis
Critical Thinking Skills in my class
Local Topics
Abiotic data sources used to investigate lake ecology?
Fishermap- Lake depth & topography | ShinyAp- Lake color (current & historical) | LakeMonster- Lake temperature |
Observations and Predictions between Alcova and Pathfinder
Abiotic Observations for Alcova
Abiotic Observations for Pathfinder
This affects the lake by….
This affects the lake by….
Alcova
Pathfinder
Both
Biotic Predictions (Algae, Aquatic Plants, Macros, Fish, Food Webs, Types of Fish, Biodiversity)
If abiotic factors differ will the biotic factors between the lakes be different?
How can we investigate this?
Chapter 33 Permit
FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, EDUCATIONAL/DISPLAY, OR
SPECIAL PURPOSES
Chapter 33 Permit
Permitting Office
Grant Frost & Embere Hall
Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Phone: (307) 777-4589
Feel free to use mine on the right as examples. They are hyperlinked.
Prior to Dissecting
| | |
Fish Anatomy Resource from Getting Nerdy with Mel & Gerdy on TPT | Montana Fish and Wildlife YouTube Video (For Me) | Pre-dissection Stations |
Lab Station Set-Up
Fish Anatomy 3D model
Macroinvertebrate Key
Data Sheet
Dissecting Scope
Centrifuge Tube
Petri Dish
Scalpel
Forceps
Scissors
Toe-nail Clippers
Dissecting Tray
Puppy Pee Pad
Ruler
Gloves
Not Pictured - biohazard disposal
During Dissection
Step-by-Step Dissection Instructions to Post on Screen
Images help students identify organs, and divides up tasks
Dissection Data Sheet
Building and Confirming Food Webs
Students use their dissection results to build a food web for each reservoir. We find out that they’re nearly identical despite their abiotic differences.
History of Stocking Fish
Look at how many of these are non-native! The bold are also species of concern.
Using Stable Isotope Data to build Trophic Pyramids
Since there’s a long history of stocking fish, do the lakes have sustainable trophic pyramids?
Background Notes for Students on using Stable Isotopes in Ecology
Raw Isotope Data (C and N)
Jackson Lake, Alcova, Pathfinder
Students Graph the Isotope Data to begin to visualize the shape of the trophic pyramid
Student Example (not hyperlinked
Making Comparisons
Compare Stocked Lakes (Alcova and Pathfinder) to non-stocked lake- Jackson Lake
Culminating Activity Townhall Meeting
Should the daily catch limit of walleye be increased at Alcova and Pathfinder from 6 fish to 12 fish?
Next Steps
There are some revisions I would like to make for the following teaching cycle.
Key Takeaways
Fish- for some reason engaged a group of students that I had not been able to reach.
Students valued me being a learner along with them.
Being willing to learn and try new things freshens up my teaching skills.
I have never taught so deeply,
Students used complex vocabulary and evidence-based data in a class discussion.
TRKE has truly helped me help my students become critical thinkers and data analyzers– such an important skill in these times.
This unit progression would be impossible without the assistance of very helpful people.
Wyoming Game and Fish- Matt Hahn (fish biologist) and Grant Frost (permitting office)
William W. Fetzer, PhD
Tristan Blechinger
Zoology and Physiology Department
University of Wyoming