School and Group Programs
Ecology: Grade 8 State Education Standards
The following table lists examples of activities and the California state standards that each supports.
Note: This table is only a sampling of activities and cannot be used as a menu to select activities. Each YI educator develops his or her curriculum differently, taking into account the particular needs of different groups. It is therefore impossible to predict exactly which standards your students might encounter in a day.
|
Activity |
Description |
Science |
Language Arts |
Math |
P.E. |
Visual Arts |
|
Stream monitoring |
Students collect and examine macro-invertebrates from Yosemite watersheds. Instructors lead discussions regarding adaptations and biodiversity as they relate to water quality. |
9. a | | |
5, 6 | |
|
Be a tree |
Students act out characteristics of specific Sierra Nevada trees. They play a game that demonstrates the relatioship between diversity of forest species and its health. Students use what they’ve learned to identify living examples of the various tree species | | | | | |
|
Oh deer |
Students play a game modeling population fluctuations in relation to habitat resources. They graph the results and discuss the implications. |
9. e | | |
5, 6 | |
|
The Lorax debate |
Students put on a mock trail based on Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. They play the parts of attorneys and jurors to determine which character is most responsible for the events that unfold in the book. | |
Reading: 2.0 Listening & speaking: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 | |
5, 6 | |
|
Journal Time |
Students reflect on the theme “diversity is our strength” in their journals. Students site specific examples from the day to support their thoughts. | |
Writing: 2.1 c Written & oral: 1.1, 1.5, 1.6 | | |
2.1, 2.3, 2.4 |
|
Hiking |
Students hike approximately 3 miles over varied terrain in Yosemite Valley over the course of the day and night hikes. | | | |
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | |
