Created by Francisco Alderete and Dana Kickler

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What is a Wetland?

http://www.torontozoo.com/adoptapond/Aboutwetlands.asp?wn=3
http://www.wetland.org/education_wetland101.htm
http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/
http://www.worldbookonline.com/kids/Article?id=ar832180&st=wetlands
http://www.nwf.org/wetlands/learnmore.html
TEXAS CONNECTION:  http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/wetland/ecology/texas_wetlands.phtml

Activities:

1. What are various types of wetlands?  What are the wetlands specific to Texas?
    Make a two column, bulleted list in a word processing program.

2. What are the three common characteristics of all wetlands?  Describe each in a
    separate paragraph and type your response in a word processing program.

3. Using a Venn diagram, compare and contrast any two of the following
    wetland habitats:  swamp, marsh, bog, and prairie pothole.  If you have access
    to Inspiration software use the template for a Venn Diagram.

Wetland Facts and Functions

Discover Wetlands - http://www.torontozoo.com/adoptapond/Aboutwetlands.asp?wn=1
Eco-Pros Wetland Functions - http://www.eco-pros.com/wetlandsfunctions.htm
Wetland Functions - http://www.wetland.org/101/WET101B.pdf
Wetland Functions and Value - http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/pdf/fun_val.pdf
Wetland Video - http://idahoptv.org/dialogue4kids/archive/topicPage.cfm?topicID=2

Activities:

1. Explore the websites above page.
    Then print and take a true/false quiz (regular or challenge).
    Record and discuss your answers with the class.

2. Create your own ten question true/false quiz and answer key.  If you have access to a word processing program, type and format the quiz or use this Microsoft Word template.

Wetland Focus:  Plants and animals http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/resources/activities/whats_in_wetland.phtml http://www.mbgnet.net/fresh/wetlands/index.htm - click on "Wetland Animals" http://www.globio.org/glossopedia/article.aspx?art_id=4 - click on "Wetland Species" http://idahoptv.org/dialogue4kids/season6/wetlands/wetlandspecies.cfm Swamp Habitat Video - http://www.wgcu.org/curiouskids/master_habitat_swamp.html

Activities:

1. Categorize plant wildlife into the following groups and subgroups:
    trees / bushes / grasses / aquatic plants / blooming plants / carnivorous plants. 
    If you have access to Inspiration software, create a web with the categories.

2. Categorize animal wildlife into the following groups and subgroups:
    mammals / amphibians / birds / fish / reptiles / non-vertebrates. 
    If you have access to Inspiration software, create a web with the categories.

3. Choose a wetland habitat and create a wetlands scene.
    Convert the scene into a diagram by labeling all types of wildlife. 
    If you have access to Kid Pix software, use it for this activity.

Wetland Wildlife Focus:  Beaver http://www.myfwc.com/WILDLIFEHABITATS/SpeciesInfo_Beaver.htm http://beaversww.org/beaver.html http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/mammals/rodent/Beavprintout.shtml

Activities:

1. Identify 10 physical characteristics of the beaver. 
    If you have access to Inspiration software, create a diagram of the characteristics.

2. Create a three-dimensional model of a beaver lodge.

3. Prepare a presentation on the beaver to include the following information:
    habitat / physical characteristics / food / habits and adaptations.
    If you have access to KidPix or Microsoft PowerPoint, your presentation may be
    in slide show format.

Why are wetlands important?

TEXAS CONNECTION:  http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/wetland/ecology/functions_values.phtml

Activities:

1. Copy 10 wetland facts on separate index cards or type if you have access to a
    word processing program.

2. Write a narrative story in which a wetland animal travels out of its habitat and
    has a lengthy conversation with another animal explaining the importance of
    wetlands.   Create a book if you have access to Microsoft Publisher's book
    template or use this Microsoft Word template.

3. Create a wetland facts game.  Focus on why wetlands are important.
    Include a game board, game pieces and rules for playing.

Save the Wetlands

Activities:

1. Create a 'Save the Wetlands' poster.  Include reasons for protecting a wetland
    and suggestions of what can be done.  If you have access to Microsoft Publisher
    (or any desktop publishing program), create a 'Save the Wetlands' flyer.

2. Outline and describe 5 different ideas for making a better wetland.
    If you have access to KidPix or Microsoft PowerPoint, your presentation may be
    in slide show format.

3. Write a persuasive letter to a government official expressing the importance of
    saving a local wetland habitat.  If you have access to a word processing program,
    type and format the letter.

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You have had the opportunity to explore information about WETLANDS. We hope you now have a deeper understanding and appreciation for their beauty and importance.  WETLANDS come in all shapes and sizes and contain many species of plants and animals, but all WETLANDS play an important role in the environment.