Curriculum

=Writing Activity= __Theme __ // What is the impact on water and land characteristics of the Long Island Sound watershed due to human use? How do decisions affect the geological, biological, physical and chemical components? What measurements do we need to take to make informed decisions concerning management and use of land in the local watershed? // __Writing Activity Options __ __ Report __ Students will write a persuasive research report using inquiry- based methods. Students should investigate at least 3 factors/conditions that have affected the lobster population. The goal is for students to have a clear understanding of what has occurred in the LIS and why. As students research either individually or in small groups, challenge your students to not only identify factors but also formulate possible solutions or preventative measures for the future. In order for the students to have a comprehensive understanding of the subject, keep in mind the three essential questions that should be addressed prior to the students’ research gathering: · //What is the impact on water and land characteristics of the Long Island Sound watershed due to human use? // · //How do decisions affect the geological, biological, physical and chemical components?// · //What measurements do we need to take to make informed decisions concerning management and use of land in the local watershed?//

OR __ Letter __ Each student will write a letter to a local or state government official advocating for an improvement or change in the LIS – or – they may write a letter to the Connecticut State Department of Education promoting the continuation of this grant persuading the CSDE to continue funding. Students should use the information they gathered in their research reports. In the “Curriculum” section of the TRC notebook, there is a wealth of information referencing persuasive writing. In addition, in Lesson II, Part II “//But What Can I Do//”, there is an excellent article //Turning Ripples into Waves: Convincing Kids They Can Make a Difference.//

=__ Resources __= 1. //Save the Sound// (yellow, “Curriculum” TRC notebook); the blue question sheet that accompanies the article will help generate a basic understanding of LIS, [|www.savethesound.org] 2. //Warm Water Killed the Lobsters//, NY Times 3. //Lobster Health Symposium//, Sea Grant 4. //Fear of Lobster die-off spreads to New England,// [|www.TheJournalNews.com] (“Resources”, TRC notebook) 5. //Lobster Deaths Still a Puzzle,// [|www.abcnews.com]  (“Resources”, TRC notebook) 6. __Long Island Sound Resource Directory__, Agencies and Organizations focused on the environment, Long Island Sound and its Watershed