The Development and Implementation of a Great Lakes Thematic Unit at Sheboygan Falls Middle School

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to create an integrated unit which would expose all seventh grade students at Sheboygan Falls Middle School in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin to the Great Lakes. The school is located in Sheboygan County and is about fifteen minutes from Lake Michigan. During the 2001-2002 school year, information was given to the seventh grade teachers and the director of instruction regarding the activities that would be included in the project with requests for feedback. In the spring of 2003 each teacher was given a binder that included all materials needed for them to teach their academic portion of the unit. In each binder was a divider that contained standards covers in each academic area, a divider for each activity to be taught and a divided section for papers that would need to be copied for the students. In addition there were evaluation forms to be filled out at the completion of the unit. Each activity had an introductory page with the school and EE standards listed, brief directions if needed and any rubrics or overheads which would be needed to teach the activity. All seventh grade students spent from one to two weeks learning about the Great Lakes. Activities included local history and the connection to the Great Lakes, water usage, groundwater, invasive species and water quality. After completing the unit some teachers commented that they liked the format with all materials included and ready to use. The students demonstrated their knowledge in discussions, a written reflection and participation on the S/V Denis Sullivan. Students demonstrated an increase in their knowledge and a greater awareness and concern for the Great Lakes region.