Format
Through her slide show presentation, Dr. Patent tells the story of wolves in Yellowstone:
The wolves were killed off in the 1920s
As time passed, problems showed up
Coyotes and elk increased in number
The elk ate you willows and aspens before they could grow into trees
The coyotes killed pronghorn fawns and out-competed other small predators
Wolves were reintroduced in 1995
As time went by, the ecosystem began recovery
Now Yellowstone's ecology continues to regain its health
Objectives
The participant will:
-get a feel for what an ecosystem and a keystone species are
-see how different parts of nature are connected
-learn to appreciate the role of predators in an ecological system
-learn about the wolf life cycle
-learn about the importance of our national parks
Standards Alignment
National Standards
NSK-4 3 Life Science
As a result of activities in grades K-4, all students should develop understanding of:
The characteristics of organisms
Life cycles of organisms
Organisms and environments
NGSS standards in grades 2-8 met include LS2.C and D. LS4.C, key concepts of Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems.