Curriculum and Social Inquiry Commons^™

Assessment Of Forever Earth Curriculum 2009-2010: Final Report, Lori Olafson, Gregory Schraw, Michelle L. Weibel

Reports (FE)

Forever Earth is a floating environmental laboratory and learning center at Lake Mead National Recreation Area that provides hands-on science experiences for students in the Clark County School District. The Forever Earth program was brought about through the efforts of numerous partners including Forever Resorts, a division of Forever Learning LLC, the National Park Service, Lake Mead National Recreation Area; Outside Las Vegas Foundation; and UNLV’s Public Lands Institute. In 2005, a formal written agreement was reached between Fun Country Marine Industries and UNLV’s Public Lands Institute to operate and manage the Forever Earth houseboat for the purpose of enhancing …

Unlv Magazine, Matthew K. Jacobsen, Holly Ivy De Vore, Lisa Arth, Cate Weeks, Greg Lacour, Tony Allen, Afsha Bawany, Barbara Cloud, Gian Galassi, Phil Hagen, Karyn S. Hollingsworth, Michelle Mouton, Erin O'Donnell

UNLV Magazine

No abstract provided.

Unconventional Avenues To Integrating Information Literacy Into The Curriculum, P. S. Mcmillen, Jennifer L. Fabbi

Library Faculty Presentations

Library instruction programs continue to seek meaningful ways to infuse information literacy into both general education and discipline-specific course sequences. At the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), targeted conversations with College of Education faculty helped librarians identify a strategic and unique point of entry with a multicultural twist.

Inside Unlv, Shane Bevell, Diane Russell, Michelle Mouton, Gian Galassi

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Unlv Magazine, Michelle Mouton, Tony Allen, Afsha Bawany, Shane Bevell, Phil Hagen, Greg Lacour, Erin O'Donnell, Karyn S. Hollingsworth

UNLV Magazine

No abstract provided.

Transforming Education For Next Generation Learners, Patricia A. Iannuzzi

Library Faculty Presentations

Students improve much less than they should in: writing, critical thinking, quantitative skills, and moral reasoning…

Large majorities of college seniors do not feel that they have made substantial progress in: ...learning what they need to know to become active and informed citizens…

Overall, despite their vastly increased resources, more powerful technology, and hundreds of new courses, colleges cannot be confident that students are learning more than they did fifty years ago…

Inside Unlv, Diane Russell, Shane Bevell, Mamie Peers, Michelle Mouton

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Discover Mojave Forever Earth Curriculum, Daphne Sewing, Allison Brody, Jennell M. Miller, Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

The Discover Mojave Forever Earth program is more than a field trip to Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA). The program takes place aboard the Forever Earth, a floating environmental learning center. It is designed to give students the rare opportunity to study different facets of water in the desert—such as its characteristics and quality, the species that rely on it, its ability to change a landscape, and much more. This educational experience complements traditional classroom studies with engaging, participatory, on-site activities and support lessons based upon a solid framework for inquiry and discovery. On-site activities and the supporting lessons …

Just Passing Through! The Water Cycle! On-Site Programming (Grade 4), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

In “Just Passing Through! The Water Cycle!,” students begin exploring the importance of Lake Mead by making and recording observations of how water is being used in different ways by plants, animals, and people. Students view an animated PowerPoint presentation that follows one drop of water through Lake Mead’s water use cycle and then re-create the cycle on a magnet board. Working as scientists, students determine if water is the same in all parts of the lake by comparing water samples from the middle of the lake and from Las Vegas Bay. By examining a number of scenarios, students use …

Finicky Fish Finish... Last! On-Site Programming (Grade 5), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

In “Finicky Fish Finish…Last!” students explore what has happened to the Colorado River and the reasons why it is so difficult for the razorback sucker to thrive in a changed environment. Working as ichthyologists (fish biologists) at Lake Mead, students collect water quality data such as temperature, pH, and clarity -- to determine whether current habitat conditions are sufficient for survival of young razorback suckers. Students observe and identify non-native fish in Lake Mead as they learn how the razorback sucker interacts with these neighbors. Students assess whether Lake Mead is still a good habitat for razorback suckers. Using the …

Assessment Of Forever Earth Curriculum 2008-2009: Final Report, Lori Olafson, Gregory Schraw, Michelle L. Weibel

Reports (FE)

Forever Earth is a floating environmental laboratory and learning center at Lake Mead National Recreation Area that provides hands-on science experiences for students in the Clark County School District. The Forever Earth program was brought about through the efforts of numerous partners including Forever Resorts, a division of Forever Learning LLC, the National Park Service, Lake Mead National Recreation Area; Outside Las Vegas Foundation; and UNLV’s Public Lands Institute. In 2005, a formal written agreement was reached between Fun Country Marine Industries and UNLV’s Public Lands Institute to operate and manage the Forever Earth houseboat for the purpose of enhancing …

Inside Unlv, Diane Russell, Michelle Mouton, Mamie Peers, Shane Bevell

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! On-Site Programming (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

GSI: Geo Scene Investigation! introduces students to the differences between observations and interpretations and to some of the fundamental principles of geology. Students identify specific geologic processes and landforms in the landscape surrounding them at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA) by solving mysteries with a set of geology-related clues.

Inside Unlv, Grace Russell, Michelle Mouton, Shane Bevell, Diane Russell

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Alien Invaders! Post-Visit Lesson (Grade 6), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

The following post-visit activity is designed to synthesize and expand the knowledge students have gained in their Forever Earth experience by creating a Public Service Announcement (PSA) about an invasive species. By completing this activity, students re-analyze the impact of such species on an ecosystem and consider the value in educating and motivating the public in regard to invasive species.

Alien Invaders! Pre-Visit Lesson: Introduced And Invasive Species (Grade 6), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

In the “Alien Invaders!” program, students use the Forever Earth vessel to investigate how quagga mussels might affect Lake Mead. Students collect water quality data such as clarity, pH, and temperature to determine whether current habitat conditions would allow quagga mussels to survive and thrive. Students learn about the consequences the quagga mussels could have on the lake and its living and non-living resources. Using the knowledge they’ve gained, students create their own management plans to prevent the spread of quagga mussels to other waterways.

This activity involves students in the concepts of introduced and invasive species

Alien Invaders! Pre-Visit Lessons: Water Characteristics (Grade 6), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

In the “Alien Invaders!” program, students use the Forever Earth vessel to investigate how quagga mussels might affect Lake Mead. Students collect water quality data such as clarity, pH, and temperature to determine whether current habitat conditions would allow quagga mussels to survive and thrive. Students learn about the consequences the quagga mussels could have on the lake and its living and non-living resources. Using the knowledge they’ve gained, students create their own management plans to prevent the spread of quagga mussels to other waterways.

This activity gives students an opportunity to explore water quality conditions as they relate to …

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! On-Site Programming, Support Materials (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

What happened geologically to produce the landscape we see today? What was the stage like that ultimately produced the Colorado River? What are the processes that are still at work today?

To begin exploring and discovering the answers to these questions, we can look at what’s happened in the past and also examine the clues that are evident on today’s landscape. Lake Mead’s geologic past can be organized like acts in a play. These geologic “acts” represent the area’s significant geologic events. The acts are not equal in terms of time (millions of years), nor is all geologic time accounted …

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! Post-Visit Lesson: The Story In Art (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

The following post-visit activity is designed to synthesize and expand the knowledge students have gained in their Forever Earth experience. Students will demonstrate, with a visual creation, their understanding of at least five major components of the land and land forms that are part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! Pre-Visit Lesson: Topograhic And Geologic Maps (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

GSI: Geo Scene Investigation! introduces students to the differences between observations and interpretations and to some of the fundamental principles of geology. Students identify specific geologic processes and landforms in the landscape surrounding them at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Lake Mead NRA) by solving mysteries with a set of geology-related clues.

This activity introduces students to topographic and geologic maps and their respective purposes.

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! Pre-Visit Lesson: Lake Mead Geologic Webquest (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

GSI: Geo Scene Investigation! introduces students to the differences between observations and interpretations and to some of the fundamental principles of geology. Students identify specific geologic processes and landforms in the landscape surrounding them at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Lake Mead NRA) by solving mysteries with a set of geology-related clues.

This activity is an inquiry-oriented activity designed to introduce students to the geology, landforms, geologic processes, and geologic timeline of Lake Mead NRA.

High School Activities Outline, Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

The following activity outline provides a protocol for conducting water quality monitoring. The outline also includes educational goals and objectives and shows how Nevada State Standards and Clark County District Objectives are addressed. The protocol can be adapted to meet the needs of the group, as well as its time and equipment constraints.

Inside Unlv, Shane Bevell, Mamie Peers, David Ashley, Diane Russell, Michelle Mouton, Grace Russell

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Unlv Magazine, Tony Allen, Afsha Bawany, Barbara Cloud, Holly Ivy De Vore, Gian Galassi, Matthew K. Jacobsen, Michelle Mouton, Erin O'Donnell, Shane Bevell, Cate Weeks

UNLV Magazine

No abstract provided.

Our Places To Tell Stories: Preliminary Program, Public Lands Institute

Our Places to Tell Stories

Our Places Tell Stories is an innovative conference for educators and others working at public lands, nature centers, museums, zoos, aquariums, and other nature- and heritage-rich places. By providing participants with successful educational strategies and techniques, this conference will meet the needs of those interested in learning how to effectively connect with audiences to create motivated stewards of the environment.

Alien Invaders! On-Site Programming (Grade 6), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

In the “Alien Invaders!” program, students investigate how quagga mussels might affect Lake Mead. Students collect water quality data such as clarity, pH, and temperature to determine current habitat conditions that have allowed quagga mussels to thrive in Lake Mead. Students learn about the consequences that quagga mussels could have on the lake and its living and non-living resources. Using the knowledge they’ve gained, students create their own management plans to prevent the spread of quagga mussels to other waterways.

Just Passing Through! The Water Cycle! On-Site Programming -- Support Materials (Grade 4), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

Reproducibles and activity guides to facilitate teaching about the water cycle at the fourth grade level. Resized PowerPoint slides and narration included.

Just Passing Through! The Water Cycle! Post-Visit Lesson (Grade 4), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

In “Just Passing Through! The Water Cycle!,” students use the Forever Earth vessel to begin exploring the importance of Lake Mead by making and recording observations of how water is being used in different ways by plants, animals, and people. Then students view an animated PowerPoint presentation that follows one drop of water through Lake Mead’s water use cycle and then re-create the cycle on a magnet board. Working as scientists, students determine if water is the same in all parts of the lake by comparing water samples from the middle of the lake and from Las Vegas Bay. By …

Just Passing Through! The Water Cycle! Appear -- Disappear! The Magic Of Water! Pre-Visit Lesson (Grade 4), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

In “Just Passing Through! The Water Cycle!,” students use the Forever Earth vessel to begin exploring the importance of Lake Mead by making and recording observations of how water is being used in different ways by plants, animals, and people. Then students view an animated PowerPoint presentation that follows one drop of water through Lake Mead’s water use cycle and then re-create the cycle on a magnet board. Working as scientists, students determine if water is the same in all parts of the lake by comparing water samples from the middle of the lake and from Las Vegas Bay. By …

Finicky Fish Finish... Last! On-Site Programming -- Support Materials (Grade 5), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

In “Finicky Fish Finish…Last!” students explore what has happened to the Colorado River and the reasons why it is so difficult for the razorback sucker to thrive in a changed environment. Working as ichthyologists (fish biologists) at Lake Mead, students collect water quality data such as temperature, pH, and clarity to determine whether current habitat conditions are sufficient for survival of young razorback suckers. Students observe and identify non-native fish in Lake Mead as they learn how the razorback sucker interacts with these neighbors. Students assess whether Lake Mead is still a good habitat for razorback suckers. Using the knowledge …