Wonderful Wetlands: Curriculum Module

Wonderful Wetlands
compiled by Bernadette Pate Holt

Summary:
This unit is designed to introduce students to wetlands and their vital contribution to our lives. A trip to a local wetland or nearby pond is important for several of the activities.

Connection to the curriculum:
This module will integrate science, math, language arts, and technology.

Time:
This module will take about one week to complete.

Season:
It is recommended that this unit be used during the early fall or in the spring after plant have had time to start growing and blooming. This will vary depending on your particular area.

Materials:
See individual activities.

Background Information:
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs. Large varieties of plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals can be found as part of a wetland ecosystem. The types of specific species depend upon the physical and chemical features of the particular climate. The dynamic biodiversity among the organisms existing in wetland environments is often referred to as food webs or food chains.

Wetlands also provide enormous selections of food that attract many different animals. From the plants that die and decay, small aquatic insects, shellfish, and small fish to the larder predatory fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals that feed on these smaller life forms.

Many of the plants that are found in wetlands are important in filtering soil and chemical pollutants from runoff. Wetlands that border lakes and streams provide clearer and less polluted water as a resource.

Wetlands are critical to reduction in flooding in many areas. Wetlands act as huge sponges that will soak up excess water and hold it until it can be slowly released into lakes, streams, and underground aquifers.

Waterfowl rely on wetlands across the nation as safe, reliable stops during their migration. These birds provide a source of recreation for many hunters.

Evaluation:
Accurate wetland reports.
Flowcharts of sandwich food chain.
Information collected on insects found in wetland environment.

The following sites were used for reference:
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/wetlands/vital/nature.html
http://www.public.iastate.edu/~jlmc/escan/WetUses.html

Resources:
Wetlands by Lynn M. Stone
Wetlands by Emilie U. Lepthien

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