Learning Activities & Games

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?