Wetlands Activities: Wetland Functions

Lesson 5

Unit:

Wetlands

Lesson:

Wetland Functions

Instructional Goal:

Students will be able to explain functions of the wetlands

Materials:

coffee filters, pepper, cups (for groups of four); sponges;

TEKS:

2.1A,B 2.2A,B,E,F 2.3A,B 2.6A,B 2.7A 2.9A,B 2.10A,B

Procedure:

Review characteristics of the wetlands.

Add any new vocabulary to the "Wetland Word Wall."

Tell students that these areas are important in more ways than just serving as one of Earth’s many ecosystems.

Brainstorm the "functions" of various household items (iron, dishwasher, refrigerator.) Discuss the meaning of "function."

Pass out a cup of water, an empty cup and a coffee filter to each group of four students. Explain the process of water filtration. Have students sprinkle pepper into cup of water. Pour it into the other cup, first through the coffee filter. Explain to students that the groundwater is represented by the new, clean water and the pepper is the debris (sewage waste, silt and toxic substances) that are naturally filtered out by the wetlands.

Demonstrate how water is absorbed into a sponge, and explain that wetlands act as "mother nature’s sponges" and help with flood control.

Look at pictures of wetlands. Discuss the abundance of food, vegetative cover, and water found there, and how many animals use them for "nurseries," to breed and care for their young.

Review and list each of the functions covered.

Add any new vocabulary to word wall.

Respond in journals "What are the functions of the wetlands?"

Assessment:

group participation, cooperation, journal response

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