Ecosystems and Biodiversity Lesson 8 : Threats and Protections for Michigan Biodiversity

1. Researching Threats. Using the Internet and/or other resources, assign small groups to research the threats to one of Michigan’s ecosystems (Great Lakes, forests, wetlands, rivers, coastal dunes, agricultural land, and urban areas.) Students can then complete the Problems and Protections Concept Map demonstrating the interrelationships of positive and negative human impacts on each ecosystem. Refer to the sample concept map relating to Coastal Dunes, found at the end of this lesson. Alternatively, students may create a poster illustrating how the HIPPO acronym applies to that ecosystem. The Major Threats to Michigan Ecosystems teacher resource included in this lesson summarizes major threats to Michigan ecosystems.

2. Visit from a Resource Person. Invite a local or state government official who works in the area of natural resource management and/ or environmental protection. Students may interview the visitor using information from the lesson.