Download Rocky_Mountain_Ecosystems_Course_Outline

Rocky Mountain Ecosystems Course Outline
Course: Rocky Mountain Ecosystems
Grade Level: 11 & 12
Prerequisite: Earth Science, Biology
Disposition: 1semester, .5 credit, elective
Fee: $20.00
Description: Rocky Mountain Ecosystems is an exploratory class that examines the ecosystems of the Rocky Mountains,
particularly the Bitterroot Valley area. This course will focus on the ecology of this region, examining the interdependent
relationships between various species, while also investigating the relationship between humans and the environment.
Topics of study include plant ecology, animal ecology, aquatic ecosystems, invasive species, survival science,
environmental issues, potential effects of climate change, current events, and experimental design
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Unit 1: Intro to Ecology and Rocky Mountain Ecosystems
a. What is ecology?
b. Ecosystems
i. Interactions, Habitat, Niche, Keystone species
ii. Levels of organization
iii. EcosystemCommunityPopulationSpeciesOrganism…
c. Local ecosystems
i. Characteristics of Local Ecosystems
ii. MT Ecosystems Map
Unit 2: Orienteering
a. Mapping
i. Determining Location Lab
ii. Using a compass and a topographic map together
b. Compass Use
i. Orienteering Scavenger Hunt Competition
c. GPS and GPS Software
i. GPS Geocache Competition
ii. Students teach GPS lesson to 3rd graders- 3rd Grade Scavenger Hunt
iii. Intro to ArcGIS
Unit 4: Aquatic Ecosystems
a. Watershed, issues, riparian zone, restoration
b. Habitat Surveys
i. Macroinvertebrate Classification and bio-indicators
ii. Water Chemistry- dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity, flow rate, pH
iii. Lolo Creek Water Monitoring Field Trip –
1. Collect Data using Vernier lab interfaces and probes
2. Stream restoration and vegetation
iv. Arlee Trout Hatchery Field Trip- Rainbow Trout Spawning
v. FWP Fish Population Counts Field Trip- Electrofishing
c. Fish Speciesi. Trout biology and identification
ii. Case Studies- Introduction of Predatory Fish, Whirling Disease, Endangered Species, Invasive
Species, Climate Change Impacts
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Unit 3: Plant Ecology and Current Issues
a. Plants, Trees, and Grasses ID
b. Bass Creek Field Trip- Vegetation Plots, Plant ID, and Habitat Analysis
c. Conifer Tree ID Lab and Dichotomous Keys
d. Role of Wildfire
i. Fuels management
e. Impact of Mountain Pine Beetle on Trees
f. Invasive Species
g. Plant ID Lab- Using Field Guides
h. Native Plant Research Project
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Unit 5: Animal Ecology and Current Issues
a. Global Climate Change- Impact on Ecosystems
b. Predators/Prey
i. Local interactions
ii. Species- classification
iii. Diversity and Adaptation Lab
iv. Canada Lynx Case Study
v. Flathead Lake Case Study
c. Birds of Prey- Identification and Morphology
i. MPG Ranch Field Trip- Banding Bald/Golden Eagles
ii. Threats, ecology, etc.
d. Endangered Species
i. Threatened vs. Endangered
1. Impact of global climate change on plants and animals
2. Fragmentation
3. Inbreeding- Importance of Yellowstone to Yukon corridor
e. Bear and Wolf populations in MT- current events
i. USFS Bear and Wolf Trunks
Survival Science
a. Winter Survival
i. Snow Science- snow formation
ii. Avalanche Safety
1. Guest Speaker
2. Lolo Pass Field Trip- using avalanche beacons, probes, making snow shelters, GPS, etc.
iii. Hypothermia and Frostbite
b. First Aid
c. Water Filtration
i. Build most effective water-filtration device competition
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