RESOURCES

  • Guide to using G-WOW Model
  • Outreach Resources
  • How to create a G-WOW Institute
  • G-WOW News & Opportunities
  • Lesson Plans

Outreach Resources

PDFS

  • ACTIVITY: Create Your G-WOW Model

    Use this template to create your own G-WOW model to investigate climate change by integrating place-based evidence you are observing in your culture and community with science. See an example of how this model can be used to investigate climate impacts on the cultural activity of wild rice harvesting.

  • ACTIVITY: Beings on the Move

    Learn how different plant and animal beings are being affected by climate change through this interactive activity where participants are engaged in showing how some beings may be moving on. Instructions and being "cards" are included.

  • ACTIVITY: Forests on the Move- Instructions

    This activity helps learners of all ages visualize how the composition of trees within Wisconsin and Great Lakes forests may change due to climate change. It can be conducted in any forested area, school forest, or backyard woodlot and is based on research conducted by the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science-US Forest Service. 

    Be sure to download the complete activity package includes the following materials that are individually posted in this PDF resource section:
    • Forests on the Move: Activity Instructions
    • Forests on the Move: High Emissions Table 
    • Forests on the Move: Low Emissions Table
    A power point presentation titled "Wisconsin's Changing Forests" can be found under "power point resource" and provides place-based and scientific research on how climate is affecting forests. This provides an excellent introduction prior to doing this activity.

  • Forests on the Move Activity- Higher Emissions Table

    This is "High Emissions" chart used in the "Forests on the Move" Activity. It provides an easy reference list of tree species that might be "moving on" in a climate future with higher carbon emissions. This table can be laminated for easier use in outdoor settings. Be sure to download the "Low Emissions" chart which is posted separately in this G-WOW resource section.

  • Forests on the Move Activity- Lower Emissions Table

    This table the Low Emissions table used with the "Forests on the Move" Activity to determine which trees may be "moving on" in a climate future with lower carbon emissions.  This table may be laminated for outdoor use. Be sure to download the "High Emissions" table that is included in this G-WOW resource section

  • ACTIVITY: Using Comics to Connect Climate Change & Culture

    Looking for a novel way to communication about climate change?  Learn how to use comics to connect learners with climate change through this program developed by Choua Xiong. Watch this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/suHbl4hD-ws 

  • ACTIVITY: G-WOW Phenology Wheels of Time Lesson Plan

     

    The Wheels of Time and Place are based on a very simple concept…the Circle. Circles are everywhere in Nature, and time itself can be thought of a circular rather than linear. Completing a G-WOW Phenology Wheel encourages us to see and think about time, life cycles, and interrelated species in a holistic, rather than linear and separated way. Seen as part of a whole system, we begin to understand how one thing affects everything else around it. We emerge with a feeling that we too are part of something bigger…our personal human cycles of days, months, seasons, and years are part of a larger cycle based in natural

  • ACTIVITY: WEB OF LIFE

    Instructions for the Web of Life activity where a facilitator and participants weave a web to represent the interconnectedness of people and natural resources, and the importance of sustaining those connections.

  • ACTIVITY: Climate Action Planning Tool Activity

    This planning tool uses the Ojibwe values of respect, relationships, responsibility, and reciprocity to ask questions helpful in considering how to take action on climate change. The users poses a question then reflects on what they bring to a project, then proceeds through questions posed in each of the values, and ends with reflecting on what they have learned or taken out of the process. 

  • RESOURCE: A Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu

    The Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu (TAM) was developed to provide a framework for integrating indigenous and traditional knowledge, culture, language, and history into the traditionally "western" focused climate adaptation. The TAM's "Guidelines for Interacting With Tribes" chapter shares how to  develop culturally appropriate climate adaptation actions with indigenous communities.

  • RESOURCE: Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment-Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission

    An excellent source of TEK, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission research applies Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), from interviews with Ojibwe elders, harvesters, and knowledge keepers to assess the vulnerability of 60 beings (species), with detailed research on 11 beings.  

     

    Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Version 2 Version 2 "Aanji-bimaadiziimagak
    o’ow aki" is now available here. 

  • RESOURCE: 2020 WICCI Wisconsin Climate Maps

    These maps show historic changes in Wisconsin's  temperature, precipitation, drought, winter temperatures, and extreme storm events from 1950-2010 and projected changes in these climate variables from 2040-2060.  How might these changes affect cultural, recreational, or economic activities you value?

  • RESOURCE: Honorable Harvest Poster-Placement

    This beautiful poster-placemat show shares information about Ojibwe treaty rights, traditions, and values that are part of the "Honorable Harvest." Made available by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) Natural Resources Department.

  • RESOURCE: Guidelines for Considering Traditional Knowledge in Climate Change Initiatives

    The G-WOW model integrates traditional ecological knowledge of the Lake Superior Ojibwe people. This brochure gives the basics of what to consider when planning for integration of traditional indigenous knowledge into climate change outreach and policies. For the full report, please see https://climatetkw.wordpress.com/ 

  • RESOURCE: 2021 Northern WI/Upper Peninsula Climate Change Tree Changes

    As the climate continues to change, tree species will likely respond individually, depending on their particular silvics and ecological tolerances, making specific tools targeted towards individual species even more important. The new projections cover large landscapes in Northern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Find projections for other US landscapes at http://forestadaptation.org/Northwoods_treehandouts.  

  • RESOURCE: Change Change Impacts on Water in National Parks

    This power point presentation, in PDF format, offers place-based and scientific evidence of current and projected climate change impacts on the Great Lakes, particularly focusing on Lake Superior impacts.  Connections between the environment, people, and economies in a changing climate are illustrated. The presentation was featured at the 2016 G-WOW "Hear the Water Speak" Institute by Brenda Moraska Lafrancois, PhD; Regional Aquatic Ecologist-National Park Service.

  • RESOURCE: Teaching STEM In Ways that Build Respect

    Indigenous ways of knowing are sometimes thought to be in opposition to and detrimental to the learning of Western Science or STEM. Consequently, indigenous ways of knowing are rarely engaged to support learning. If STEM learning is to be meaningful and transformative for Indigenous youth, respecting Indigenous peoples rights and related critical issues,  including Indigenous STEM, settler-colonialism, and decolonization, must be understood and explicitly addressed in Indigenous youths’ informal and formal STEM learning experiences. 
Powerpoints

  • How to Use the G-WOW Model to Build Climate Awareness & Action

    This power point demonstrates how to use the G-WOW model to weave indigenous, place-base, and scientific ecological knowledge to build climate awareness and action.

  • Making Climate Change Come Alive

    This presentation was given on 6/3/2019 for the International Symposium on Society and Natural Resources to provide training on using the G-WOW model's interpretive framework for increasing effectiveness of climate communication. 

  • End of Winter As We Know It- Ice Cover Change at Bayfield Harbor

    This powerpoint examines place-based evidence of climate change on Lake Superior ice cover. Originally researched by Forrest Howk when he was a high school student, it demonstrates how the length of time ice covers Bayfield Harbor has been decreasing from the late from the 1800's to present. Presenter: Neil Howk-Assistant Chief of Interpretation and Education, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. 

  • Ojibwe: A Connected People

    This powerpoint, developed by Damon Panek-Ranger with the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, integrates historic photos and Ojibwe language to share how the Ojibwe people are connected with the environment and affected by climate change.  As climate changes, the Ojibwe are adapting their language and cultural practices.

  • Making Sense of Climate Change Research

    This 2016 G-WOW "Hear the Water Speak" Institute presentation demonstrates how science is uncovering evidence of how the climate is changing and why. Presenter: Brian Zimmerman-UW Madison, Nelson Institute.

  • Climate Science in the Classroom and Community

    This 2016 G-WOW "Hear the Water Speak" Institute power point presentation gives tips for communicating about climate change, risk, and strategies for adaptation and mitigation of climate impacts. Presenter: Brian Zimmerman, UW-Madison, Nelson Institute.

  • Wisconsin's Changing Forests

    This 2016 G-WOW "Hear the Water Speak" Institute power point presentation provides place-based and scientific research based evidence of how Wisconsin's forests, and Great Lakes forests, may change under climate change. The information presented is based on research from the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS)-US Forest Service. Presenter: Maria Janowiak-NIACS Deputy Director.

    This presentation provides an excellent introduction prior to conducting the Forest Winners & Loser Activity. Instructions and materials for that activity are posted in the PDF resource section.
Web Links

  • Intro to the G-WOW Model via a Prezi Presentation

    Here's a simplified version of the G-WOW model depicted as a Prezi presentation.

  • Forests On the Move Activity

    Stephen Handler-Climate Scientists with the USDA's Northern Institute on Applied Climate Science (NIACS) demonstrates the "Forest Winners and Losers Activity." This is a great way to visually demonstrate potential changes in our forests under different climate change scenarios. It's perfect for school or backyard woodlots. Complete "Forest Winners and Losers Activity" instructions and forest species information can be found in the TEACHER'S CORNER section under the "pdf" tab.

  • Climate Change Time Traveler Interactive

    This series of interactive visualizations, based on NOAA science, shows how some of Earth's key climate indicators are changing over time. 

  • You Fix It- Interactive Carbon Emission Simulator

    This climate simulator lets you explore more than 8,100 climate scenarios, based on a model developed by Climate Interactive and the M.I.T. Sloan School of Management. See if you can fix the challenge of carbon emissions and their impact on global warming!

  • El Nino and Climate Impacts

    In this article, Dr. Dan Vimont from the UW-Madison's Nelson Institute explains interactions between weather and climate, including El Niño and its impacts.

  • Need A Fun Tool to Teach About Climate Change??

    Here's a toolbox of fun activities to teach about climate change. Developed in partnership with the Chicago Botanical Garden's "Connecting Communities to Climate Change" initiative.  

  • Curriculum Guide for Implementing Wisconsin Tribes & Act 31

    The G-WOW curriculum integrates traditional indigenous knowledge and culture. Here is PK-grade 16 curriculum guide on the history, culture & sovereignty of WI Indian nations that addresses needs of Wisconsin Act 31. Wisconsin Act 31 is a statutory requirement that all school districts provide instruction in the history, culture,, and tribal sovereignty of the 12 American Indian Nations and Tribes in the state.  Jump to www.WisconsinAct31.org

  • Is it Climate Change or El Nino?

    Weather and climate are different. Here's an interesting article about UW-Madison research on the influence of El Nino and climate change. It contains great links to resources to generate thought provoking discussions

  • More or Less Game- Visualizing Climate Change in the Great Lakes

    In this activity, students will construct a web of things that may increase or decrease as a result of a changing climate. After completing this activity, students will be able to: 1)  List and explain many potential impacts of climate change, and 2) Discuss various interpretations of the possible impacts of climate change.


  • Really BIG Graphic Shows Climate Change Over Time

    Most scientists depict changes in climate through complicated graphs and charts. Scientist Randall Monroe has created a really big (meaning large in size and easy to understand) graphic depiction of how Earth's temperatures have changes since the last ice age glaciation to today. The article "Really Big Graphic Gives Perspective on Earth's Temperature" appeared in the online "On Pasture" magazine, 1/24/17. 

  • Climate Change 101 Intro

    This video vignette was filmed at the 2015 G-WOW Changing Climate, Changing Culture Institute. Dr. Dan Vimont, from the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Impacts, offers 4 factors the point to climate change based on scientific evidence. More resources supporting this topic can be found in the Teachers Resources section of the G-WOW website.

  • Integrating Science and Traditional Knowledge on the Navajo Nation

    This 2017 US Geological Survey video shows how integrating science and traditional knowledge of the Navajo people is bringing understanding of ecosystem changes due to land use stresses and climate change.  The partnership of traditional knowledge and observations of 105 tribal elder observations and conventional science can be an effective tool for documenting change that challenges livelihoods. Elder observations verify and supplement this record of change by informing how shifting weather patterns are reflected in Navajo cultural practices and living conditions. 

    https://usgs.gov/recordnav

  • Climate Change Phenology Wheels-Janet Moore

    This G-WOW Institute training session focuses on using art to engage students in investigating climate change and the environment. Artist Janet Moore leads this classroom discussion. NOTE:  Additional resources to support developing phenology wheels for your students can be found in the other TEACHER RESOURCE sections.

  • Wild Rice- An Indicator of Climate Change?

    Will manoomin (wild rice) and the cultural practice of wild ricing survive with a changing climate? Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Biologist Peter David describes the importance of wild rice to the Ojibwe people and the habitat conditions it needs to survive and thrive. Specific climate change impacts to wild rice are demonstrated through scientific and place-based evidence. 

  • Wild Rice & Climate Change Field Tour

    Join Naomi Tillison-Bad River Tribal Natural Resource Department for an on-the-water tour to investigate place-based evidence of how a changing climate may affect wild rice also called "manoomin" in the Ojibwe language. This video is an abbreviated version of the full 2-hour trip through the beautiful Kakagon Sloughs and wild rice beds of the Bad River Tribe of the Lake Superior Ojibwe Indians.

  • Fishing, Culture, and Climate Change

    Join Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission's Fisheries Biologist Mark Luehring for a presentation on how climate is affecting fish species and cultural lifeways of fishing.

  • Right Under Your Feet- Soil Health and Climate Crisis-2017

    How does soil affect change?  Discover how our management of soil health, through agricultural and gardening practices, help to mitigate climate impacts. This common-sense publication give some practical recommendations. 

  • CLEAN Climate Change Teaching Resources

    A resource rich website from CLEAN (Climate Literacy & Energy Awareness) providing resources for teaching about climate change and energy.

  • Climate Signals- Interactive Localized Resources

    Explore how climate change affects your world by searching events, impacts, and related climate signals. See updates on the 2017 Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, western fires, and other "weather" events.

    Climate Signals is a digital science platform for cataloging and mapping the impacts of climate change. Currently in open-beta release, the platform is designed to identify the chain of connections between greenhouse gas emissions and individual climate events.

  • Years of Living Dangerously

    Climate change stories from the award winning series by National Geographi.

  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions and US Autos

    Discover how US vehicle emission standards have helped decrease the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that might have been contributed by the transportation industry. That's good news!!

    Thank you to the student who contributed this article after using the G-WOW website for climate change research.

  • Get Wisconsin's State Climate Summary

    This NOAA website contains information about how Wisconsin's climate is changing based on over 100 years of actual recorded yearly and seasonal measurements from pre-1900 to the 2009. Temperature, rainfall, lake levels, and more. 

    Key message points and downloadable resources are provided. This is a great vetted resource that provides excellent information for exploring how climate has changes in Wisconsin and discussion of future trends

  • 4th National Climate Assessment Report

    This November, 2018 report from a team of more than 300 federal and non-federal experts—including individuals from federal, state, and local governments, tribes and Indigenous communities, national laboratories, universities, and the private sector draws a direct connection between the warming atmosphere and the resulting changes that affect Americans’ lives, communities, and livelihoods, now and in the future. It documents vulnerabilities, risks, and impacts associated with natural climate variability and human-caused climate change across the United States and provides examples of response actions underway in many communities. These impacts are projected to intensify—but how much they intensify will depend on actions taken to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to the risks from climate change now and in the coming decades.


Videos

  • Changing Climate, Changing Culture: Planning a Climate Institute Based on the G-WOW Model

    Create culturally relevant climate change training and outreach that relates to audiences and provokes action. The G-WOW model integrates place-based evidence we experience with science to reveal how climate change is affecting our communities and economies. Weaving in indigenous knowledge, the G-WOW model provides a baseline for evaluating how climate change is affecting all cultures.

  • Vignette 1: Changing Climate, Changing Culture

    It’s all about place: interpreting climate change within a cultural context we value, using evidence we experience.

  • Vignette 2: The Basics- Applying the G-WOW Model

    Learn how to integrate culture and science to create culturally relevant climate change outreach.

  • Vignette 3: Developing a Climate Institute

    Steps for creating effective professional development using the G-WOW climate literacy model.

  • Vignette 4: Guiding for Tomorrow

    Your scorecard for success!

  • NEW: How to Use Comics to Communicate About Climate Change

    Engage students in communicating about climate change stories using artful storytelling by using comics . Though this is not a formal art course, it will tap into the visual and linguistic creativity of students; empowering them to construct their narrative of climate change that is fun and engaging, all the while being informative and compelling. For written course syllabus, please jump over to the G-WOW Outreach PDF's and look for this title. 

  • Forests on the Move Activity

    Stephen Handler-Climate Scientists with the USDA's Northern Institute on Applied Climate Science (NIACS) demonstrates the "Forest on the Move Activity" with teachers attending a G-WOW Institute. This fun activity is a great way to visually demonstrate potential changes in our forests under different climate change scenarios. It's perfect for school or backyard forests. Complete "Forest on the Move Activity" instructions and forest species information under high and low climate "scenarios" can be found in "Outreach Resources" under the "pdf" tab.

  • Wild Rice and Climate Change Field Tour

    Join Naomi Tillison-Bad River Tribal Natural Resource Department for a tour on the Kakagon Sloughs to investigate place-based evidence of how a changing climate may affect wild rice ("manoomin" in Ojibwe). This video is an abbreviated version of the full 2-hour trip through the beautiful Kakagon Sloughs and wild rice beds of the Bad River Tribe of the Lake Superior Ojibwe.

  • Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Inland Fisheries

    Join Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission's Fisheries Biologist Mark Luehring for a presentation on how climate is affecting fish species and cultural lifeways of fishing.