Science 7 Ecosystem Shift – Aquatic
This lesson meets cross-curricular outcomes for Science 7 and Social Studies 7. Students will learn about Indigenous knowledge of freshwater ecosystems in the Mackenzie River Basin, which is within the circumpolar region, including how Indigenous peoples track the environmental impacts of industrial projects.
Purpose:
Students will learn the significant relationship between humans, their environment, and the consequences of human activities on the environment. This lesson shares important quotes from Elders, Land Users, and community members who have noticed a shift in the local ecosystem.
Introduction:
Industrial projects are becoming more commonplace in the Mackenzie River Basin, causing changes in the local aquatic ecosystem. One key ecosystem shift is the change in fish habitat, health, and population. This lesson introduces students to the implications/consequences of human activities and how these changes have been noticed and recorded.
Key questions for student inquiry:
Why is fish or fishing important in the Mackenzie River Basin and local waterways? How has the ecosystem that local people rely on and interact with change over time? How might certain human activity contribute to this change? How does this change impact the people who are living and relying on the river?
Location:
In classroom
Length of activity:
45-60 minutes