Understanding the rewilding of cape cod: a curriculum unit for middle school learners
The objective of this project was to develop a curriculum unit that will explore current issues related to the emerging seal and shark populations on Cape Cod. By creating a curriculum that presents scientific research to youth in an engaging, hands-on way, we hope to foster an understanding of not only how an ecosystem functions but why conserving our natural world is important. This curriculum unit was made with support from the Woods Hole Sea Grant.
Image by Wayne Davis
Unit 1: How did we Get Here?
The introductory unit provides students with an opportunity to gather historical evidence and build a timeline that outlines how the Cape got to be the wild place it is today. The lessons in this unit connect youth to current events, have them identify and analyze historical events that had an impact on the environment, and engage with their peers to learn from one another.
Pre Learning
Introduction
Building a Timeline Activity
Image by Wayne Davis
Unit 2: The Science Around US
The region of Cape Cod is a global hub for marine research. In this unit, students will be introduced to some of the research projects taking place in the area, and develop an understanding of how technology helps scientists to answer their questions.
Pre Learning
Shark Science
Image by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy
Unit 3: changes in wildlife and the community
The changes in wildlife in the region have led to many conversations by community members. This unit will provide students with the opportunity to do their own research on how changes in wildlife have had an effect on the community.