Keeping the Balance

An Exploration of Lake Ecology and Human Activities

Grades 8 - 12

How do scientists at the UVM Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Lab decode the complex ecosystem dynamics of Lake Champlain?

Through hands on activities and short presentations, students learn about current scientific research and experience some of the work done at the lab. They reflect upon issues related to:

1. Lake Champlain ecology
2. Problems related to excess phosphorus
3. Exotic species
4. Human activities and the lake

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

How does Lake Champlain’s ecosystem keep itself in a healthy balance, and how can it be disturbed and altered?

FOCUSING QUESTIONS

• What are the scope and aims of the research done at the UVM Rubenstein Lab?
• What is the food web structure and dynamics (“key players”) in Lake Champlain?
• What are the impacts of phosphorus overloads and exotic species on the food web dynamics and stability of the lake’s ecosystem?
• How can we participate in keeping a healthy balance in Lake Champlain’s watershed? What preventive and corrective actions can we take to restore and protect the health of Lake Champlain?

DETAILS

• Available dates/times: Please call for availability.
• Duration: 1 1/2 - 2 hours
• Level: 7th - 12th grade

To register, contact: Erin De Vries, (802) 859-3086 x305 or download a registration form.

Current schools can download the student survey prior to coming to the Rubenstein Lab for the program..

VERMONT STANDARDS & GRADE EXPECTATIONS

7.11 Systems

• S9-12:35; Students demonstrate their understanding of food webs in an ecosystem
• S9-12:37; Students demonstrate their understanding of recycling in an ecosystem

7.13 Organisms, Evolution and Interdependence

• S9-12:36; Students demonstrate their understanding of equilibrium in an ecosystem

7.16 Natural Resources and Agriculture

• S9-12:49; Students demonstrate their understanding of processes and change within natural resources

KEY PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

• Interactive Life Web activity introduces key actors of Lake Champlain’s food web and the concepts of ecosystem equilibrium and interdependence
• A 20 min video presents an overview of the research done on Lake Champlain at the UVM Rubenstein Lab
• Students meet some researchers in action and take a tour of our research facilities
• Students collect and observe microorganisms from the lake
• Engaging discussion of issues in restoring and maintaining Lake Champlain’s healthy balance

MORE OPTIONS AT ECHO

If you are looking to combine the Rubenstein Lab visit with an ECHO experience geared towards middle to high school students, consider the following options:

Lake Champlain Live, a unique science experience aboard UVM's reseach vessel Melosira

ECHO Trek, Voices for the Lake, Lake Champlain Basin Resource room visit.

Please visit the ECHO website for more information about these opportunities.

PARTNERS

The Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, ECHO, University of Vermont, Lake Champlain Basin Program, UVM Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Lab, UVM Watershed Alliance, UVM Extension, Lake Champlain Sea Grant