Wolf Conservation Center Becomes a Catalyst for Change with “Tracks to the Future”
4,493 views · Published 30 January 2015 · 3:43 · Indexed 8 November 2026
Channel: Wolf Conservation Center · 2015 · Pets & Animals
In the short time since wolves were reintroduced to the American West, scientific research has confirmed that they have restored stability to ecosystems. Wolves were once federally protected, but now they can be hunted again, making their future more controversial than ever before. Although critically endangered subspecies of wolves remain federally protected, they also face unique challenges that impact their wild future. Despite the vast effort, resources and support invested in reintroduction, the future of the wolf and its proven benefits to ecosystems remains at risk. In recognition of this crisis, the Wolf Conservation Center has become a catalyst for change among a new generation of stewards who can reverse this trend before it is too late. “Interdisciplinary Curriculum in Wolf Education: Tracks to the Future” partners with educators in the implementation of a unique unit of study that affords elementary and middle school students differentiated opportunities to learn and master many of the required common core academic standards in Language Arts, Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies and the Arts while using the theme of wolf conservation as its integrating theme. It goals encourage students to pose and answer relevant questions about wolf recovery and conservation while they simultaneously acquire new knowledge, tools and the critical thinking skills that they will need as life-long learners, in general. “Tracks to the Future” is an academically robust, relevant, and innovative “living curriculum.” It emphasizes cooperative learning, research and project-based learning, critical thinking and discussion, hands-on activities, and integrated service learning opportunities. Students develop and practice leadership skills by working in teams, listening to and accepting diverse opinions, solving problems, considering the long-term view, promoting actions that serve the greater good, and connecting with the community to make a difference. While promoting broad academic achievement, Tracks to the Future has five guiding objectives: (1) nurturing an understanding of the critical role that the environment plays in human survival and the sustainability of the earth’s resources, (2) fostering an understanding of the scientific and cultural principles that guide wildlife conservation in America, (3) teaching the value of predators, specifically wolves, as ecosystem managers, (4) providing authentic opportunities for students to exercise citizenship and demonstrate their knowledge by educating others and advocating for positive changes in policies that affect wolves, and (5) increasing students’ awareness of the proactive role they can play in government to encourage change. Tomorrow's leaders need to be equipped for tomorrow's challenges. The Wolf Conservation Center has broken new ground by forging a commitment to help educate and motivate a literate generation of problem solvers and future decision-makers. In a world where it is increasingly difficult to engage student interest, Tracks to the Future offers an enriching way for both students and teachers to connect their appreciation of the natural world with academic learning and community service. We invite educators to consider joining the effort. Enormous thanks to the great team at Haviland Middle School in Hyde Park, NY for their collaboration in this adventure in education! For more information about the WCC and it's education programming and participation in the recovery of the critically endangered red wolf and Mexican wolf, please visit the WCC website at www.nywolf.org and follow the WCC on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/nywolforg) and twitter (https://twitter.com/nywolforg).
