Word clouds about ecosystems hook learners into a instructional activity that explores Yellowstone wildlife. Young scientists create cause-and-effect relationships after examining data and recommend solutions to their observed problems. More data challenges pupils to make inferences about the effects of human interaction on an ecosystem. A new word cloud reflects participants' newfound knowledge.

Concepts

ecosystems, human impact on the environment, wolves, yellowstone national park, predators, prey, predator-prey relationships, keystone species

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Instructional Ideas

• Make word clouds on paper, if devices and apps are not available 
• Create an ecosystem focus wall to display completed word clouds

Classroom Considerations

• Requires projection for the slides and devices with internet access with apps downloaded to make word clouds
• Prep time includes gathering supplies and making copies 

Pros

• The plan includes teacher's notes, sample responses, and optional activities

Cons

• None