Learning Activities & Games
Isle Royale National Park Classroom Activities
A Study in How the Predator/Prey Relationship Between Wolves and Moose was Re-Established on Isle Royale National Park
The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation and its collaborative partners have released a new documentary film, “The Return of Wolves: Isle Royale National Park,” a culmination of a four-year, ongoing initiative that studies how the predator/prey relationship between wolves and moose was re-established on Isle Royale National Park. The corresponding free educational plans in “Lessons from the Wilderness” offer educators in the classroom and homeschool settings the opportunity to teach students about the unique relationship between wolves and moose on Isle Royale National Park and how it alters the ecosystem. This program has lessons for K-12 learners in four age groups, with a curriculum most relevant and appropriate for each grade level.
This case study explores community interactions on an isolated island on Lake Superior. An ice bridge allowed wolves to migrate to the island in the 1950's, which was also home to moose. The wolves were studied over several decades until the population collapsed due to inbreeding.
Case includes data analysis of predator prey graphs, which students interpret to discover what happened to the wolves on the island. They also examine food webs and skeletal remains of wolves showing spinal deformities. Finally, students evaluate the plan to repopulate the island with new wolves in order to reduce the number of moose on the island.
This case is available for free at biologycorner.com
Download includes a PDF of student worksheet and answer key, plus a link to the student version as a Google doc.
In this lesson, students interpret historical data from the Island Royale study, watch recent news clips, and engage in a debate whether or not to introduce wolves to the island using the information they learned during the activity. The goal of the activity is for students to see the relationship between predators and prey, and the effects of isolation on a population's ability to survive over time. Outcomes • Students will learn about the longest running population ecology study on Isle Royale. • Students will use historical data and video clips to make sense of predator-prey relationships on the Island Royale. • Students will learn that as predator population increases their prey population decreases, which also effects the broader ecosystem (e.g. plants that their prey feed on). • Students will engage in reading graphs and argument from evidence (e.g. historical data and videos) to suggest how many wolves should be reintroduced to the island. Guiding Questions How changes in a predator (wolf) population change their prey's population (moose) over time? How can predators keep an ecosystem in balance?
Isle Royale Coloring Pages
Click on any of the below images to get a printable copy. Most include a species fact sheet!
"Experience the adventure and romance of Isle Royale National Park...yesterday and today!"
This game provides players the opportunity to explore the geography and history of IRNP as a boardgame. It's a standard roll-and-move format, on a large 14x40 inch roll-up board. All players start at one end of the island. Four dice (provided) are rolled, and players use the value on a single die or pairs of dice to see if they can equal the mileage to proceed to the next location. Water routes are sometimes available, and you can use those if you roll trips or a four-straight in three rolls, Yahtzee-fashion. There are penalties for being landed on.
The locations are campgrounds, scenic sights, fire lookouts, etc., with each type worth so many points to the player landing there or passing by. Points are tallied on a provided pad with a provided pencil. Some sights allowed the drawing of a Fortune Card, which can add or subtract additional points.
The board is very attractive and informative, and the four pawns with the game are solid copper lathe-turned figures.
Junior Ranger Program
The Junior Ranger program is for kids ages 6-12 (or those at heart). Complete the Junior Ranger booklet and attend a ranger program. After sharing what you have learned with a ranger, you will receive a Junior Ranger badge! For day and overnight visitors, as well as those who cannot make it out to the island.
Wilderness Ranger Program
The Wilderness Ranger program is for youth ages 12-17 (or those at heart). Complete the Wilderness Ranger booklet during an overnight backcountry stay. Upon completion, youth will receive a Wilderness Ranger badge.
Image: NPS
National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation. Return of the Wolves. Curriculum. https://www.nplsf.org/curriculum [Retrieved Apr. 22, 2024]
Oregon State University. Isle Royale, Not Battle Royale. https://smile.oregonstate.edu/sites/smile.oregonstate.edu/files/isle_royale.pdf [Retrieved Apr. 22, 2024]
The Biology Corner. Ecology Case Study - The Wolves of Isle Royale. https://www.biologycorner.com/2023/04/05/ecology-case-study-the-wolves-at-isle-royale/ [Retrieved Apr. 22, 2024]
U.S. National Park Service. Grand Portage National Monument. Learn About the Park, Kids & Youth, Coloring Pages. https://www.nps.gov/grpo/learn/kidsyouth/coloring-pages.htm [Retrieved Apr. 22, 2024]
Banner Image: Andrew Potter