Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
This lesson takes students on a detective walk at the MSUM Regional Science Center to answer the question, “How do we know bison lived in this area even though we do not see them?” Students observe a bison hide and look for clues in the prairie, such as tracks, bones, plants, and wallows. They share ideas, ask questions, and record their observations in a notebook. Students learn how to use evidence to support their ideas. This lesson connects students to local history and nature while helping them think like scientists.
Recommended Citation
Kelly, Caylin, "Bison Detectives: Place based Walk Lesson Plan for MSUM Regional Science Center" (2026). OER Materials. 32.
https://red.mnstate.edu/oer-materials/32
Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Elementary Education Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons
Comments
I created this lesson for an assignment in my MSUM teacher education course for Methods in Teaching Elementary Science and Environment Education: STL 474. I wanted students to learn science by asking questions, looking for clues, and using evidence. I chose the topic of bison because they are connected to the history of the region we live in. Even though we can not see bison today, we can look for clues that show they lived here at one time.