One of the NGSS Cross Cutting Concepts is Systems and Systems Models. Models and simulations can be used effectively in the science classroom to better understand ecological concepts and cause-and-effect relationships in nature, including how human activities can change the physical landscape, affect ecosystems on land and in water, and alter the atmosphere.
In this hands-on session, the presenter will lead participants in activities that will give their students practice in collecting and interpreting data to better understand their local and global environment and human impacts on ecosystems. They will create 3-D representations of global land use, model amounts and sources of fresh water, simulate world population growth trends, and more. The presenter will discuss how to implement these activities as part of broadening students’ understanding of DCI ESS3: Earth and Human Activity and LS2: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics Within Ecosystems. Participants will receive lesson plans and background materials in an electronic format with matches to Wisconsin Standards for Science.
