Rationale:
Within one
human lifetime, the prairies have passed from wilderness
to become the most altered habitat in this country and one
of the most disturbed, ecologically simplified and overexploited
regions in the world. (Hummel, 1989)
This
teaching module is designed to introduce middle-years (Grade
6-8) students to biological and ecological studies of the
Western Red Lily (Lilium philadelphicum var.
andinum). This vibrant native
flower is recognized as Saskatchewan’s
provincial flower and grows throughout the prairie grasslands.
As a result of human activity, increased land use, and habitat fragmentation
the continued propagation of the Western Red Lily is threatened. The
Western Red Lily is identified as a protected species.
The module’s learning activities address several foundational
objectives throughout the middle-years science curriculum and can be
adapted to all learning levels. Students
will gain factual knowledge about the parts of the flower and their
roles in plant production. Students will
examine the ecosystem in which the lilies live, focusing on relationships
between living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors. In
addition, students will be exposed to the ways in which human activity
impacts living species in nature so the students will ultimately define
and develop their own social responsibility and act as stewards for
the protection of our natural world. In
this way students will become aware of the importance of their role
in making decisions to preserve our ecosystem.
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