Learning Outcomes

Students should be able to:

• State the definition of a wetland.

• Be able to identify wetlands on sight.

• Know the basic types of different wetlands.

• State the predominant plants found in different wetland types.

• Describe a generalized food chain in a wetland.

• List the important roles of wetlands for the environment.

• Know the role that wetlands play in replenishing groundwater.

• Know the importance of wetlands in filtering runoff.

• Understand the role of wetlands in the life cycles of certain animals.

• Know how to safely capture, observe, and release small wetland animals.

• Identify some of the plants and animals found in a wetland.

• Learn how to use a binocular microscope properly.

Writing Prompts

Persuasive/Opinion
For a wetland area, real or imaginary, write an opinion story about why the wetland should be protected.  Briefly describe the wetland.  Give a reason or two as to why the wetland should be protected.  If there are any problems that the wetland is facing, suggest how the problems could be prevented or fixed. Illustrate your story with a drawing or map.

Informative/Explanatory
Visit a wetland area.  There are many in Michigan.  Write a report about your visit.  What was the season, the time of day, and the weather?  What plants and animals did you see?  Did you get to hike around?  Did you have an encounter with an animal?  What did you like or not like about your visit?  Would you recommend a visit to the wetlands to any of your friends? Draw a map of the wetland area that shows how to get there.

Narrative: Standard
Write an imaginative story about a wetland plant or animal.  Describe what its day or life cycle is like.  Talk about what it needs to survive in the wetlands.  Write about its interesting interactions with other plants or animals.  Make a drawing to help illustrate your story.

Outside Learning/Exploration Opportunity:

Visit a wetland area near your location.  There are many in our state.  Notice the variety of plants and animals that are present.  Visit the same site during different seasons.