Changing Landscapes Field Trip

Huckleberries are an important food source.

NPS

In this is 4 to 5-hour hiking field trip, students will learn about the effects that climate change can have on the landscape–in particular, how climate change is impacting phenology. Students will also explore why we care about changes in phenology and the possible effects these changes have on other life, such as wildlife and humans.

Grades: 6–12
Locations: Apgar
Duration: 4-5 hrs
Group Size: 45
Vocabulary: Phenology, climate change, preserve, protect, weather, climate
Essential Questions:

• What is climate change?
• What is phenology?
• Why do we care about phenology?
• How could phenology be affected by climate change?
• Why do scientists measure and record data, such as phenological data?
• What predictions can we make about the phenology of huckleberries, based on what we know?

State Standards:
Middle School:
ESS3.C. Earth and Space: Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment. (NGSS Identifier).

ESS3.D. Earth and Space Science: Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century (NGSS Identifier).

High School:
ESS1.B, ESS2.A, ESS2.D Use a model to describe how variations in the flow of energy into and out of Earth’s systems result in changes in climate (NGSS Identifier).

Next Generation Science Standards:
Middle School:
MS-ESS3-3. Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.

MS-ESS3-5. Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.

High School:
HS-ESS2-4. Use a model to describe how variations in the flow of energy into and out of Earth's systems result in changes in climate.

 

Objectives

Students will:

• Understand what climate change is.
• Understand how climate change conditions impact phenology.
• Participate in citizen science phenology data collection.

 

Field Trip Logistics

Teachers wishing to have their students participate in the Changing Landscapes field trip should plan to arrive in the park at 9:30 am and stay until 1:30 or 2 pm. Everyone in the group must be prepared to be outside the entire time and ready to hike for a distance of about 2 miles on gently rolling terrain.

 

Reserve Your Trip

Visit the Scheduling & Guidelines page to find out how to make a reservation as well as learn tips for a successful day in the park.

If you have questions, email or call the Education Specialist at 406-888-5837.

 

Preparing for Your Trip

Education staff will provide you with preparation materials after you schedule your trip.