Students Speak For the Salmon
Lesson plans for teachers
Resources:
LEARN
Learning target: To learn about the threat of salmon extinction endangers entire ecosystems from river headwaters to ocean habitats
Materials/resources needed
- internet for links to coloring pages and short films
- projector
Vocabulary
- extinction
- collaboration: students, artists, scientists, fisheries, tribal communities
- keystone species
- tribal treaties
Differentiation:
- Teachers can choose to focus on:
- salmon extinction
- salmon life cycles
- habitat restoration
- indigenous treaties and advocacy
CREATE
Learning target: To create your own visual representation of a salmon.
Materials/resources needed:
- copies of coloring pages, paper, printer
- art supplies: colored pencils, markers, oil pastels
- scissors
Vocabulary
- patterns that visually illustrate ideas of overlap and “we are all connected”
- creative pattern narrative
- evoke
Differentiation:
Students can choose from a number of different salmon designs.
ACT
Learning target: Inspire civic engagement through art and letter writing. To create collaborative installation between Earth Day, April 22, and Endangered Species Day, May 20.
Optional: to send letters to elected officials in support of salmon and orcas.
Materials/resources needed
- pens or pencils (for letter writing)
- envelopes and stamps (optional)
- tape (for window installation)
- string or monofilament (for hanging installation)
- phone with camera (for documenting the installations.)
Vocabulary
- civic voice
- advocacy
- art installation
- collaboration
Differentiation
- Teachers can choose to just create a classroom installation of a school of endangered salmon or
Students can go a step further to send a letter to elected officials about fighting salmon extinction.
