Utah Lake has been a source of controversy and ecological problems for almost the last 100 years. Since the industrialization of Utah County, the lake has continually been filled with waste. The introduction of non-native fish species, as well as the build-up of housing and commercial buildings near the lake have all had a negative impact. This activity will help your students see how what Utah Lake used to be and what it is now.
UTAH SEEd STANDARD
Standard 5.3.4 - Evaluate design solutions whose primary function is to conserve Earth's environments and resources. Define the problem, identify criteria and constraints, analyze available data on proposed solutions, and determine an optimal solution. Emphasize how humans can balance everyday needs (agriculture, industry, and energy) while conserving Earth's environments and resources. (ESS3.A, ESS3.C, ETS1.A, ETS1.C)
Introducing the Problem
Activity Directions
Identify the Timeline Cards of Utah Lake in your investigation materials box . Divide the 14 cards among your class so each card is assigned to an individual or group.
Print a page for each students - Utah Lake T-Chart.
Print a copy of this Field Notes guide for each student.
Give students 15 minutes to read the card and complete the illustration task on 1/4 sheet of printer paper
As a class, order the timeline using the images students created and reviewing the information on the timeline cards. This may take 15-20 minutes.
Review with the class the entire timeline and discuss the reasons for the current status of Utah Lake.
Gathering Data
Activity Directions
Instruct students they will be taking some notes on the original state of Utah Lake and the current state of Utah Lake.
Watch the first part of the video Utah Lake - Legacy: Chapter 2
Read with students - Utah Lakes - Facts and History
Watch the second part of the video Utah Lake - Legacy: Chapter 5
Watch the third part of the video Utah Lake - Legacy: Chapter 6
Other Research Resources
Decline of the June Sucker Population (watch to 5:30)
Chapter 2
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Original and Current State of Utah Lake
Activity Directions
Discuss with students the notes they have taken on the original state of Utah Lake and the current state of Utah Lake. Insure students can identify some of the differences from the lake of the past and the lake in its current format.
Connect with Your Virtual Experience
Activity Directions
Insure that your webcam is working, your computer microphone is on, you have speakers/sound working, and you can project from your computer to the screen.
Use this FIELD NOTES page for your students to write down any information they learn from the science specialists and the museum docent.
Click the appropriate link below to join the experience!
Present and Evaluate Solutions
Activity Directions
Students will work on groups to develop a solution to restore Utah Lake .
Students will need to consider- criteria, constraints, timeline of restoration, and justify why their idea is the best solution. They will present their solutions to the class- which should include a graphic, explanation and justification. Use this guide sheet to help students plan their solutions - DESIGNING A SOLUTION
Discuss with students - CRITERIA (the standards that must be met in the solution)
Discuss with students - CONSTRAINTS (the limitations of the solution)
As students present their solutions, the rest of the students will be evaluating for the best solution.
Complete the Feedback Form
Click the link below to complete the form!
Play and Discuss: A Short History of Utah Lake
55 North Center Street - Lehi, Utah 84043