History of Horicon Lesson Plan

Grades: 8 - 12
Length of Program: 45 minutes
Time of Year: Year round
Preferred Adult/ Student Ratio: 1/10

Summary:

Students will learn the fascinating story of how, over time, Horicon Marsh was completely destroyed and them painstakingly re-built to its present condition. Through this program, they will study the impacts of human development on an ecosystem both past and present.

Teacher Preparation:

None

Academic Standards Addressed:

Science
E.8.6 Describe the use of earth s resources by humans in both past and current cultures and how this creates the basis for efforts to conserve and recycle resources

Environmental Education
B.8.5 Give examples of human impact on various ecosystems
B.8.10 Explain and cite examples of how humans shape and control the environment
B.12.5 Analyze past and current trends in ecosystem degradation, species extinction
B.8.15 Analyze how humans impact their environment through resource use

Special Instructions:

None

Materials:

• Slide Show (optional)

Procedure:

Through a classroom-style presentation (slide presentation) or outdoor interpretive talk, portray the history of Horicon Marsh beginning with the last ice age through the present. Emphasize the series of changes that occurred here due to human impacts to the local ecosystem since the time of modern European settlement.

Wrap-up:

Discuss how Horicon s turbulent history impacts management of the marsh today.

Contact Information

Bill Volkert
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area
N7728 Hwy 28
Horicon, WI 53032
(920) 387-7860

Questions for Wildlife Management