Perspectives of Conservation (HS)
In this workshop, students will learn about the relationship between the view of the ecosystem from native perspectives and the human dependence on this ecosystem and modern techniques used to indulge in this dependence. The native perspective will be compared with the approaches of scientists who have spearheaded conservation efforts, and with quantitative measures for assessing conservation such as the Ecological Footprint. The concept of overshoot, which underlies the Ecological Footprint, has many parallels in conservation biology. Students will get to experiment with the mathematical modeling of predator-prey dynamics by modifying computer code. Students will, furthermore, create and analyze fractal structures that are relevant to the study of the environment. The coastline of Lake Sakakawea, will be used as an example.
objectives
The workshop focuses on the idea that the ecosystem works in a cyclical manner. The idea is that everything works together in a healthy, well-functioning ecosystem and if one item is out of place, the whole ecosystem can show the consequences. In current times, the demands we, as people, put on the environment sometimes skews the cylindrical effect in one direction or the other.
Topic(s)
Biosphere, computer programming
type
High school lesson from Sunday Academy
9-12
Grade(s):
time needed
6 hours
author
Carrie Duafala, Anne Denton
national next gen standards
north dakota standards
9-10.1.1. Explain how models can be used to illustrate scientific principles
9-10.1.2. Describe the interaction of components within a system (e.g., interactions between living and nonliving components of an ecosystem, interaction between organelles of a cell)
9-10.2.3. Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations
9-10.4.11. Explain how matter and energy flow through living and nonliving components in an ecosystem (e.g., carbon cycle, water cycle, nitrogen cycle)