This interactive map examines the numerous ecosystems in or near Wisconsin's Apostle Islands and integrates the traditional Ojibwe ecological knowledge about how climate change and human activity are impacting these ecosystems.
Students can click on various locations on the map to bring up ecological information, view and listen to the Ojbiwe names for various items, see a 360-degree view of the location, view maps, charts, and videos, and learn something unique about each location.
Teaching Tips
Positives
Each location contains information about the physical characteristics, plants, animals, and human connections associated with them.
This site is filled with engaging pictures and useful information about the Ojibwe culture and living environment.
Additional Prerequisites
You can use the "Ecosystems" tab to navigate all 12 locations on the map.
The other tabs along the top provide additional information about the Ojibwe language and ecological knowledge, a user guide, and acknowledgements.
Differentiation
Students can use this site as a basis for an informative essay about how climate change impacts ecosystems in the Upper Midwest.
Teachers can use portions of this resource as a conceptual introduction to biodiversity, the importance of biodiversity, and how climate change is impacting biodiversity.
This site can enhance a classroom discussion on how "traditional ecological knowledge" can improve our understanding of specific ecosystems and how they are affected by climate change.
Portions of this resource can support a classroom discussion on how climate change increases the severity and frequency of extreme weather events.
Scientist Notes
Over the years, the Ojibwe people have lived in harmony with nature. However, this resource explores how climate change is degrading twelve ecological hotspots within the Wenaboozhoo Minisaning (the Apostle Islands). Students can explore how the people have adopted a sustainable land management approach (a combination of native ecological knowledge with scientific ecological knowledge) to conserve their natural ecosystems. However, climate change is already altering some of their ecological hotspots and this is setting a pathway for the Ojibwe people to adapt and respond to climate change impacts. The resource is well-sourced and is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS2: Earth's Systems
HS-ESS2-2 Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth’s surface can create feedbacks that cause changes to other Earth systems.
HS-ESS2-4 Use a model to describe how variations in the flow of energy into and out of Earth’s systems result in changes in climate.
LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
HS-LS2-6 Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Reading: Informational Text (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.2 Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to provide a complex analysis; provide an objective summary of the text.
Speaking & Listening (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.3 Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing the stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used.
Common Core Math Standards (CCSS.MATH)
Statistics & Probability: Making Inferences & Justifying Conclusions (9-12)
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSS.IC.B.6 Evaluate reports based on data.
