Housatonic River Unit
Housatonic River History and Ecology Introduction
Focusing Questions: What are the geographical,
geological, and ecological features of the Housatonic River?
What flora and fauna interact with the river? How have humans benefited from
this river? What impact have humans had on the river?
Standards:
Social Studies: History & Geography
8.
Interpret the past within its own historical context rather than in terms of
present day norms and values.
9.
Distinguish intended from unintended consequences.
Length of Time
Needed to Complete: One-two 1-hour class periods to administer and correct
pretest and to read and discuss the eight-page packet.
Resources/Materials: Housatonic Valley Association
Environmental Resource
Center General Fact Sheet
and teacher generated pretest. This fact sheet briefly covers the river’s
history, physical description, river uses, river protection, and watershed
maps.
Procedure:
To
assess students’ general knowledge of the Housatonic River
and to expose them to some of the unit’s vocabulary, have students take the
pretest. Tell students they will not be graded on this test. Have students
exchange papers for correcting. Use this time as an opportunity to discuss the
various topics and terms that arise in the pretest such as tidal estuary,
watershed, and poly chlorinated biphenyls. Have students read the packet on
their own and come together that day or the next to review the material.
Assessment:
Students will be using this information
throughout the unit as background information for the field day and finally
will be drawing out pertinent information for their group presentation.