Wetlands

Relevance of Topic:

Wetlands are a popular topic these days -- and an extremely important one! Wetlands are rich in wildlife, and most students are intrigued by studying these habitats and their inhabitants. Wetlands have a critical role to play in the health of so many aspects of our environment, which many people are only just recently beginning to realize and appreciate. So come on -- wade on in!

PA Environment & Ecology Standards Reference:

Grade 7 Grade 10

4.1.7 B2, 3; D1, 2, 3, 4; E1, 2 4.1.10 B4, 6, 7; D1, 2, 3; E1, 2

4.3.7 B1 4.3.10 B1

4.6.7 A2, 5; C3, 4 4.6.10 A4, 10, 11, 13; B2; C3

4.7.7 A2; B4, 5, 6; C1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 4.7.10 A1, 2, 3; B1, 2; C1, 2

4.8.7 C2; D2, 3 4.8.10 C1

Key Vocabulary:

wetland, metaphor, ground water, surface water, water table, watershed, habitat, endangered species

Suggested Sequence for Use of Video & Teacher’s Guide Materials:

• show beginning footage of program with introductory narration

• facilitate Aquatic Project WILD activity "Wetland Metaphors"

• have students read the DEP fact sheet "An Introduction to Wetlands" and the EPA fact sheet "Values and Functions of Wetlands"

• facilitate Project WET activity "Capture, Store, and Release"

• show remaining video footage which explains the functions and types of wetlands

• ask students for additions and/or changes to "Wetland Metaphors"

• facilitate WOW! Wonders of Wetlands activity "Wet ‘n’ Wild"

• show latter half of program on wetland restoration

For Discussion:

Why might it be important to restore lost wetlands? If you owned land that had once been a wetland, what things would you need to think about before deciding whether or not to restore it back to a wetland?