Course Title: Wildlife, Fisheries, and Ecology Management
Lesson Title: Wildlife and Ecology Webquest GIS Lesson
TEKS Addressed in Lesson:
(6) The student applies cartographic skills to natural resource activities. The student is expected to:
(H) use a Geographic Information System to interface geospatial data and interpret photos and images. http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter130/ch130a.html
Lesson Objectives. The student will be able to:
1.
use a web-based GIS system to identify Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species in their county.
2.
use a web-based GIS system to identify what counties the Golden-cheeked Warbler is endangered in and use forest and population density maps to interpret potential factors that may be contributing to species decline.
Tools and Equipment computer
Key Terms / Vocabulary

Geographic Information System (GIS) – A system used to store, analyze, and geographically display spatial and tabular data.

Spatial data – information that can be represented on a map

Tabular data – information found in a data table

Endangered species – a species that has been identified as likely to become extinct
Interest Approach/Anticipatory Set
Have students work in groups to generate a list of endangered species. Have each group share two examples of an endangered species. Did any group identify a species that is endangered in Texas? If not, ask the class if they know of any endangered species in Texas. (Found in powerpoint)
Some examples include:

Golden-cheeked warbler

Texas Blind Salamander

Star Cactus

Teaching Plan and Strategy / Presentation of New Material
1.
The teacher will introduce GIS and how it can be utilized in wildlife management.
2.
The student will perform a webquest that utilizes web-based GIS to explore endangered species in their county and interpret potential factors contributing to species decline.
Activity/Application/ Student Engagement /Laboratory
The student will use the following website to answer questions about wildlife management in their county. (See Wildlife and Ecology Webquest GIS Lesson) http://tpwd.texas.gov/gis/rtest/
Evaluation / Summary
Evaluation (see WS attachment)
Summary Rubric
POOR
Required Elements Incomplete, Minimal effort shown
Writing Presentation Sloppy or illegible, poor use of space
Quality of Language Little or no original language
Examples Incomplete or no examples shown
GOOD
Complete, Some effort shown
EXCEPTIONAL
Complete, obvious effort shown
Legible, adequate use of space
Very legible, great use of space
Some original language All language is original
Some concepts without examples
Every concept has an example
References/Additional Materials / Extended Learning Opportunities/ Enrichment

Have students research a current event article of GIS in wildlife using ESRI’s website. http://www.esri.com/industries/GIconservation/about/wildlife

Have students research an endangered species from their county.
College & Career Readiness Standard
I Writing A2
II Reading A2
III Speaking B2
IV Listening B3
I Nature of Science A2, D1, D2

X Environmental Science C1, E4
I Social Studies A1, A2
I Cross-Disciplinary D1, E1
II Cross-Disciplinary D1, E1, E4
©Texas Education Agency, 2015