Coastal Habitats & Species—Tides of the Estuary Summary: This lesson is designed to give an introduction to how tides and tidal cycles work by having students visualize, act out, reading and graph how tidal cycles work. Context is given to tides by way of discussing and understanding how they influence life around the estuary and […]
Introduction—Welcome to the Estuary! Summary: Estuaries are unique and often fragile coastal ecosystems that connect aquatic and marine ecosystems. This topic guide provides definitions and images that orient students and promote a sense of place and understanding. Concepts to teach: Estuarine ecosystems and habitats, tidal cycles, productivity, ecosystem balance Goals: Students understand components of an […]
Coastal Ecology—Making the Connection Summary: Students explore food chains and food webs to discover interconnecting relationships among organisms in an ecosystem. Concepts to teach: Food webs, different ecosystems Goals: Students will learn about ecological relationships by constructing a simple food chain or food web. Standards: 4.2L.1, 5.2L.1 Specific Objectives: Describe the difference between various roles […]
Coastal Habitats & Species—Salmon Studies Summary: Through the study salmon behavior, anatomy, and life cycles, students learn how salmon are connected to both inland watersheds and the ocean. Students discover some of the challenges salmon face during migration. Concepts to teach: Adaptations, survival, migration, freshwater vs. saltwater habitats Goals: Students will learn about the unique […]
Coastal Habitats & Species—Macroinvertebrates Summary: Students watch a student-produced animated video about macroinvertebrates and stream health. Concepts to teach: Aquatic habitats and species natural history Goals: Students explain the importance of benthic macroinvertebrates and how their presence or absence can indicate stream health. Standards: 3.2L.1, 4.2L.1, 5.2L.1 Specific Objectives: Define the term benthic macroinvertebrate and […]
Introduction—Watershed Modeling Summary: Students will create and explore small scale models of watersheds made from either paper or in a large group using a shower curtain. Students work to identify various living and nonliving features within their model and look at how they function within a watershed. Run-off, erosion, and sources of pollution are explored […]
Introduction—Watershed Walk Summary: This topic guide focuses on introducing students to watersheds by experiencing the one right outside their door. Students begin by using mapping programs and brief activities to learn about the water cycle and how water moves through the watershed. Students will then engage in a guided watershed walk on local school grounds […]