Ecology Case Study "Rewilding Wolves in Yellowstone"

This resource provides an engaging look at how the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park transformed an entire ecosystem. Students will explore how removing and later restoring a top predator caused major changes in animal populations, plant growth, and river systems through a process known as a trophic cascade. Through this real-world example, students will build scientific literacy and deepen their understanding of ecosystem balance, biodiversity, and the role of keystone species in maintaining healthy environments.

This case study serves as an excellent introductory activity for units on ecology, food webs, or conservation biology. It can also be used as a reading comprehension passage, discussion starter, or standalone lesson to help students interpret and apply ecological concepts to a powerful real-world success story of species recovery and environmental restoration.

Your reading contains ~400-500 words plus 5 questions and their answers.

This resource is suitable for students in grades 7-10. Tackle literacy and science by having your students read and answer questions from a scientific article.

No prep, no formatting, no issues. Simply download, project, print (or upload to your class site) and you're all set.

Google Classroom and Distance Learning Ready

• This resource is perfect for in-class or distance learning and integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom or Microsoft Office Classrooms.
• Simply upload the reading to your classroom website.
• The reading also includes a Microsoft Word and PDF version.

This resource will take your students between 30-45 minutes to complete and includes some open-ended questions. An answer key is also included for your reference.

What Teachers Say about my Case Studies

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Extremely satisfied - My students loved this resource! Very engaging and highly recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Extremely satisfied - My students love these! Excellent for extended practice.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Extremely satisfied - A great sub plan! Thank you for a great resource!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Extremely satisfied - Thank you so much for the great activity. Great to use after notes.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Extremely satisfied - I used this material as a part of an ongoing project for the end of the year. This was a great addition to the lesson.

If you're teaching Ecology, you'll also be interested in my Ecology and Sustainable Ecosystems Unit. It includes 9 lessons and many engaging activities to help your students gain a full understanding of ecology and ecosystems.

If you have any questions please feel free to send me an email - devon@teachwithfergy.com