Layers of Louisiana Natural History Lesson Plans
Analyzing Climate Through Tree Cores
Identify the sources of tree materials, calculate the carbon stored in the tree, and analyze climate changes using tree rings.
Analyzing Dolphin Strandings Data (2019)
Students will analyze water quality data (salinity, temperatures, and dissolved oxygen) from the Mississippi Sound in 2018 vs. 2019. They will use this data along with various articles, videos, and photographs to write a claim, evidence, reasoning paragraph stating the cause for the spike in dolphin deaths in 2019 along the SE Louisiana coastline (FL, AL, MS, and LA). Students will decide based on the evidence provided if salinity, dissolved oxygen, or temperature were one of the main causes of death.
Hydrology
Students will utilize the Chalk Model, the Pumice Model, and a Sand Model to see how water affects landforms such as cliffs (Oceanside Recreation Center cliff) and landforms closer to home such as the Louisiana Coastline.
Invasive Species
Students will identify characteristics of invasive species and predict how an invasive species will affect the physical characteristics of an environment.
Louisiana Natural Disasters Along the Coast
The students are able to analyze text, pictures, and data charts about hurricanes to inform legislation and policy regarding the Louisiana Coastal Master Plan.
Tree Ring Analysis
Use evidence from tree cookies to determine the age of a tree and evaluate how different factors can affect the growth of the tree from year to year and what tree rings can show about the environment.
Water Wise
The learners will become water wise as they make personal connections through project- based learning, case studies, and Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park’s novel, A Long Walk to Water. Numerous opportunities will lend itself for learners to predict and identify environmental and global challenges in regard to water scarcity and culturally relevant issues in an assortment of water wise lessons. The learners will describe this waterwise state of affairs through science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and mathematics (STREAM). They will write, research, analyze, present, construct models, and utilize the scientific method and engineering design process as they navigate through the water wise engaging lessons.
What is that? A Louisiana Invasive Species
Students will observe Giant Salvinia and study their growth patterns. By observing their growth patterns, students will map potential growth over time on Lake Bistineau.