The learning objectives of my lesson for the kids was to be able to identify and learn about the different adaptations that wolves and other predators have that make them successful in their environment, learn about the importance of wolves to an ecosystem and why they are a keystone species, the conflicts between people and predators, and to finally learn about animal reintroduction and endangered species in the United States. I taught the kids these topics through the use of stations, PowerPoints, and group activities. In the stations, the kids learned about 4 adaptations(had pictures) for each chosen predator: Grizzly Bear, Canada Lynx, Red-Tailed Hawk, and Western Rattlesnake. They liked the rattlesnake the most since it has such cool adaptations like pits and venom and most of the kids have seen them before. After adaptations, the kids learned about wolf reintroduction and conflict through the use of a PowerPoint with a video and a map that I had made. With the map, it was decorated to look like Washington with various labels and props that the kids could use to illustrate conflict with wolves between the government, environmentalists, and hunters/ranchers.(kids were gathered around it) If we had enough time, we talked about the endangered species act and animals that are under threat later placing them in the correct areas on a poster.
I would have never gone to this part of WA without EASB, so it was an amazing experience seeing a different part of WA both geologically and people-wise. I enjoyed all the activities we did as a team like hiking and going to Dry Falls and the Grand Coulee Dam, but I especially enjoyed how we participated directly in the local community by attending sports event, giving college talks, meeting the local people, and volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club planting with kids of different age groups. The people of Eastern Washington give off a more relaxed and friendly vibe which is rather nice after the hustle and bustle of the city life. (I still love you Seattle!!!) You can just have a short conversation with someone and they are already offering to invite you over to their cattle ranch for example. Finally, it was a joy becoming friends with three other amazing girls through preparing lessons to our hilarious posed pictures at Dry Falls to having s'mores by the fire. I would like to thank the Brewster community for taking us in and treating us like family and friends.
-Dana Chapman