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Aquatic Liferevised March 7, 2008 |
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Unit goalsEvery student loves to explore a pond, or at least is fascinated to some degree by the creatures that live there. The goal of this unit is to encourage excitement and respect for aquatic habitats and the life which occurs in them. This will be accomplished by visiting several different aquatic sites and through the collection, identification, and discussion of various aquatic organisms. |
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What is a habitat?Review the material from the Fall unit. What does "aquatic" mean?Aquatic means "water," so aquatic life means things that live in water habitats. What types of aquatic habitats are at River Bend Nature Center? Marsh - shallow water with non-woody plants growing above water level What will we see at River Bend?You never know what you'll find when you go exploring at River Bend ...
Can you think of any other aquatic habitats on the planet?lake, ocean, creek, lagoon, bog, sea, glacier, tidal pool geyser, fen, flood plain, bog, estuaries, aquifer Maybe even a birdbath or water dish if left standing long enough! What lives in River Bend's aquatic habitats?Make a list of aquatic life that you might find at River Bend Nature Center, which could include any of the following organisms. Perhaps group them by habitat type, above or below water, etc. algae, toad, duck, giant water bug, frog, muskrat, scuds, back swimmers cattails, crayfish, beaver, diving beetles, duckweed, minnow, mink, water striders sedge, turtle, fish, red mite, salamander, fisher spider, dragonfly larvae, snail, clams whirligig beetles, water bugs, leech, mosquito larvae Why are aquatic habitats important?Discuss the importance of freshwater aquatic habitats to people, asking the students about all the different ways they use water. Remind them that the water they use doesn't come just from a faucet, but originally comes from nature. If desired, set up an aquarium in the classroom, and prepare it to receive a few aquatic organisms caught at River Bend. What do we need to remember when we visit River Bend?
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Some suggested pre- or post-visit activitiesSend us your ideas here!
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Interesting linksSend us your ideas here!
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(c) River Bend Nature Center |
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