Project WILD Aquatic includes several activities concerning factors that impact our aquatic resources. The following activities focus on invasive species, a wetland food web, and water quality indicators (aquatic organisms). Iowa-specific information (see Iowa supplemental information) is included to make the activities more relevant to Iowa students.
Aquatic Roots
Grade Level: |
5-8 |
Setting: |
indoors |
Duration: |
two or three 45-minute periods |
| Objectives: |
Students will be able to 1) trace the origins
of various species of local aquatic animals
and/or aquatic plants; 2) categorize them
into native and exotic species; and 3) evaluate
the appropriateness of introducing new species. |
| Method: |
Students use reference materials to research
various local aquatic plants and/or animals to
find out whether they are natives or exotics
and to investigate their impacts on people,
other animals, and the environment. |
Iowa supplemental information (47KB pdf)
Marsh Munchers
Grade Level: |
K-4 |
Setting: |
outdoors or large indoor playing area |
Duration: |
one 20- to 60-minute period |
| Objectives: |
Students will be able to 1) identify
components of a food web in a marsh;
and 2) identify their interconnectedness
in the food web. |
| Method: |
Students use body movement and
pantomime to stimulate the feeding
motions of marsh animals. |
Iowa supplemental information (175KB pdf)
Water Canaries
Grade Level: |
5-8 |
Setting: |
outdoors |
Duration: |
one or two 45-minute periods |
| Objectives: |
Students will be able to 1) identify several
aquatic organisms; and 2) assess the
relative environmental quality of a stream
or pond based on indicators of pH, water
temperature, and the presence of a
diversity of organisms. |
| Method: |
Students investigate a stream or pond
using sampling techniques. |
Iowa supplemental information (194KB pdf)
|
