5E Unit Sketch Template

Unit Age / Grade Level___MS/6th Grade__ Candidate Name: Sienna Whaley________

NGSS:
MS-LS2-4 Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological
components of an ecosystem affect populations.

MS-ESS3-3 Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact
on the environment.

English, Math or Social Studies Standard if Selected: 6-P4.2.2 Engage in activities intended to
contribute to solving a national or international problem studied.

Central Concept Michigan Waterfowl and How Human Activities Affect Them.__
Learning Outcome(s) – at least 1 per standard, no more than 5 total
1. With 1 hour of instruction, students will be able to identify ways humans impact the
environment and Michigan’s waterfowl with 80% accuracy.
2. Students will be able to construct an argument and support it with at least three pieces of
empirical evidence.
3.Students will perform research with reputable sources.
4. Students will design a solution for the environment problem and how to monitor its progress.
5. With 1 hour of instruction, students will be able to identify common Michigan Waterfowl
with 80% accuracy.

Outline of Lessons – Be sure to include all 5 Es

Day 1 Engage 1- Waterfowl identification= students will look at defining characteristics of
Michigan waterfowl (Bill, tail, markings, etc). They will then use these to identify common
Michigan waterfowl.

Day 2- Explore/ Explain- Habitat loss and pollution- We will perform 4 station activities to
explore how pollution and habitat loss can affect Waterfowl population.

Day 3- Elaborate- Possible solutions- Students will research possible solutions to human
impacts on Michigan Waterfowl and create a presentation for it. Students may focus on one
particular bird or do the project for all waterfowl in general.
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Day 4- Students will continue working on their research and project creation.

Day 5- Evaluate- Students will present their presentation.

Critical Vocabulary: Population, environment, waterfowl, pollution, bill (ex: duck bill), habitat,
wetland, sexual dimorphism, dabbling, pollution

Assessments
Formative- discussions, Lesson 2 Exit Ticket, Project progress checks

Summative- Waterfowl ID quiz, Waterfowl observation document, Observation sheet Human

Impact solution group project and presentation

Resources (at least 2)

1. https://www.ducks.org/ (Has a whole section on conservation)

2. See pages below for a whole list.

Concept Map – the actual map or a link to the map
(below)

See the NSC373 Canvas assignments for full unit plan with lessons.

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Waterfowl Websites
To review and practice your waterfowl ID, visit: https://www.ducks.org/hunting/waterfowl-id/
Learn about which Important Bird Areas are near you: https://www.audubon.org/important-bird-
areas/state/michigan

Plan a visit to a wetland wonder near you: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-

79119_79147_81529_82008---,00.html

Learn more about and plan a visit to one of Michigan’s 9 birding trails:
https://www.michigan.gov/birding

Check out MI Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Wetlands Map Viewer here to see
the status of wetlands in your county, city/township or watershed:
https://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/wetlands/reportTool.html

To explore a bird’s eye view of some of these restoration projects visit: www.ducks.org/FlyDU

To learn more about coastal wetlands conservation in the Great Lakes, visit:
https://gl.audubon.org/coastal-wetlands

Learn about Michigan’s Duck Stamp today: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-

79119_79147_81456-31026--,00.html

Learn about how the stamp contributes to conservation and how to purchase one here:
https://www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved/duck-stamp.php

You can sign-up for a free eBird account here and submit your observations from your smart device
when in the field: https://ebird.org/home

Learn more about how to join the Great Backyard Bird Count here: https://www.birdcount.org/

New research shows that stewardship from volunteers like you is critical to successful conservation:
https://www.audubon.org/news/new-science-reveals-big-impact-stewardship-has-coastal-birds

Green Wings at duck.org

Other websites

https://science.jrank.org/pages/2171/Ducks-Factors-affecting-abundance-ducks.html#:~:text=Lead
%20shot%20is%20an%20important,and%20other%20birds%20each%20year.&text=For%20example%2C
%20fish%20are%20very,eating%20ducks%20such%20as%20mergansers .