The Development and Implementation of a Great Lakes Thematic Unit at Sheboygan Falls Middle School
File(s)
Date
2004-07Author
Gerend, Tamara L.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The purpose of this project was to create an integrated unit which would
expose all seventh grade students at Sheboygan Falls Middle School in Sheboygan
Falls, Wisconsin to the Great Lakes. The school is located in Sheboygan County and
is about fifteen minutes from Lake Michigan.
During the 2001-2002 school year, information was given to the seventh grade
teachers and the director of instruction regarding the activities that would be included
in the project with requests for feedback. In the spring of 2003 each teacher was
given a binder that included all materials needed for them to teach their academic
portion of the unit. In each binder was a divider that contained standards covers in
each academic area, a divider for each activity to be taught and a divided section for
papers that would need to be copied for the students. In addition there were
evaluation forms to be filled out at the completion of the unit. Each activity had an
introductory page with the school and EE standards listed, brief directions if needed
and any rubrics or overheads which would be needed to teach the activity.
All seventh grade students spent from one to two weeks learning about the
Great Lakes. Activities included local history and the connection to the Great Lakes,
water usage, groundwater, invasive species and water quality.
After completing the unit some teachers commented that they liked the format
with all materials included and ready to use. The students demonstrated their
knowledge in discussions, a written reflection and participation on the S/V Denis
Sullivan. Students demonstrated an increase in their knowledge and a greater
awareness and concern for the Great Lakes region.