Nature Net’s Pre- and Post-Field Trip Materials
Subject: Wetlands
Level: Middle School
Introduction
Wetlands are areas of land that are saturated with water. These areas are one of Earth's most important ecosystems, providing critical habitat for many species. Sloughs, ponds, and marshes are specific types of wetlands, each differing in the amount of water present, and the types of plants living in them. Wetlands are often sensitive to imbalances in surrounding environments.
Vocabulary
Habitat: The native environment of a particular plant or animal; a habitat consists of both living organisms and non-living things.
Lake: A lake is a large body of water, which varies in size and
depth. In general, plants are confined to shallow areas near the shore.
Marsh: A tract of low, wetland with large amounts of aquatic vegetation that may have standing water present.
Pond: A small, quiet body of water so shallow that rooted plants grow completely across it. There is little wave action in a pond, and the bottom is usually covered with mud.
Community: A community consists of all the plants or animals present in a specific, local habitat. Creatures within a community interact with one another to create an ecosystem.
Ecosystem: A system in nature made up of living things (plants, animals) and non-living things (rocks, soil, water), interacting and depending on one anther for survival. Parts of the natural ecosystem act and re-act to maintain a balance. If some parts are removed or new parts added the system becomes unbalanced.
Wetland: A type of habitat in which water saturation is the dominant factor. A great diversity of animals and plants live in wetland habitats. Wetlands are home to over one-third of the nation's endangered species. There are several specific types of wetlands, such as ponds, sloughs, and marshes. Types of wetlands are based on the amount of water present, as well as the plants and animals inhabiting them.
Concepts
-Wetlands provide critical habitats for many species of plants and animals. They provide water for aquatic animals, abundant vegetation for food and shelter, and numerous species of animals and plants, serving as food for larger animals. Many migratory birds utilize wetlands during their spring and fall journeys; animals such as turtles and frogs hibernate in marshes during the winter months.
-Wetlands help cleanse the environment by absorbing excess nutrients, neutralizing toxins, and fostering plant and animal community development. Wetland communities consist of small ecosystems that are often sensitive to larger environmental problems.
-Wetland ecology is interesting and often complex due to the broad range of plants and animals present. The loss of certain species, or the addition of non-native plants and animals, can often result in an unbalanced ecosystem. Wetland destruction, and the dumping of toxic materials resulting from urban development threatens many endangered species living in wetland habitats.
Suggested Post-Visit Activities
After your visit to some of the Nature Net sites, you can explore wetlands further by getting down to the source of wetlands- water! Your class can be Water Action Volunteers, and protect the water around their school. One WAV project is to stencil storm drains, to prevent the dumping of toxic materials into local waterways. For more information contact Pam Packer, Water Action Volunteer Coordinator at (608) 264-8948.
After your field trips, discuss how your class can help preserve wetland habitats. Many local parks and nature centers support clean-up projects and other activities.
Suggested Readings
For Teachers:
Project Wet, K-12 Curriculum and Activity Guide. The Watercourse and the Council for Environmental Education. 1995.
WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands
For Students:
Lakes. Goetz, Delia. William Morrow and Company, New York. 1973.