I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do, and I understand. - Chinese Proverb

Categories and issues to explore:

Science of wetlands: What are they? Physical and chemical characteristics. Where are wetlands located? Use pictures and definitions.

Plants and animals: Adaptations to environment.

Water-related ecosystems: Why are they important? Compare and contrast different ecosystems and their functions. What are the functions and economic value of wetlands?

Water use: Ways water is used at home, the role of water in the human body. Present facts and data.

Water pollution: Sources and threats to wetlands.

Impact of water quality on plant and animal communities. Observe, adopt a wetland.

Crane by Los Altos* elementary student

Lesson essentials:

1. Grade level

2. Introduction

3. Focus

4. Objectives:  

     Content skills:

Oral communication: debate, demonstration, discussion, student presentation, drama.

Written communication: letters, essays, poems, brochures, field notes, stories.

Collaboration: teamwork, experiments

Hands-on learning: experiments, measuring, observations.

Technology: tools  

     Using TEKS:

Ecological foundations: interdependence, interactions, ecosystems, homeostasis

Conceptual awareness: ecological impact of individuals on environment, citizen action

Investigation skills: shape questions, form hypothesis, make observations and measurements, perform tests, analyze results

Environmental action: opportunities to apply environmental action skills

5.Materials

6. Time required for lesson

7. Background information

8. Procedure: Lesson activities. Consider Web sites, literature, games, worksheets.

9. Assessment strategies

10. Resource list