Beings on the Move

• This lesson plan includes printables and directions for an activity to teach students about the impact climate change will have on different Wisconsin species that are important to local Indigenous tribes.
• Students will explore specific Great Lakes species facing the changing climate, learn how climate change can impact important plants and animals in the region, and understand how Indigenous people and tribes may be affected by a changing climate.
  

Positives

• This resource is a well-developed and thoughtful lesson that works for a range of grade levels and abilities.
• Students will enjoy the pacing and discovery included in the lesson.
• The included printable resources are eye-catching and easy to understand for readers at many levels.

Additional Prerequisites

• It may benefit students to explore the backgrounds of the two Indigenous groups mentioned (the Ojibwe and Menominee).
• Consider reviewing with students how seasons and weather patterns may change as global temperatures increase before beginning this activity.
  

Differentiation

• This lesson is meant to be utilized in a science classroom. However, cross-curricular connections can be made in social studies classes learning about Indigenous tribes and their cultures or in language arts classrooms practicing scientific and technical reading strategies.
•  For elementary students or older students who struggle with reading, try chunking the reading into two or three sections per species or reading in a small group.
• As an extension, have students create a poster for their species after completing the lesson. Posters can include pictures of the species, threats they are facing due to our changing climate, their importance to cultures, and what people can do to help.