images from http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/
Based
on a Webquest by Carolyn Reed, www.kent.k12.wa.us/staff/carolynreed/webquest/intro.htm
adapted for Central Texas by Pam Albrecht, CIT and Kristina Diaz, 3rd grade
teacher
Frances M. Rhodes Elementary
Cibolo Wilderness Trail Wetlands
Most Northside
ISD students have gone on at least one fieldtrip during their education
to this wetlands area known for its natural beauty, winding creek, mammoth
cypress trees, frogs, ducks, grasses, etc.
If it's been awhile, click 
and
take a visit right now. (Turn up the sound in your speakers.)
Hopefully, you enjoyed that visit, because since just last night, that all has changed. Last night, a man was arrested and charged with MURDER. The suspect, D. Stroyer, recently submitted a development plan to the City Council. His plan was to turn the Cibolo Wilderness Trail Wetland area into an amusement park, which, in his words, "will make Disneyland look like a kid's toy." The city council, in its wisdom, rejected Stroyer's plans. In a fit of rage, he worked quickly and under the cover of darkness to attack the wetlands-- plowing, digging, filling, and paving.
Click
to see how the wetlands area now looks. (It may take a few moments to load,
but is worth every second!)
It's not a pretty sight. But is the damage deeper than what meets the eye? What are the far-reaching consequences of D. Stroyer's actions? Is the murder charge warranted? Your task is to research the value and function of wetlands in order to determine the full consequences of D. Stroyer's actions.
Your task is to prepare a presentation that informs others of the need to care for wetlands and the consequences of destroying wetlands. You may choose how you want to present your information, but here are some ideas:
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A PowerPoint Presentation to be used by the "prosecution" in the trial of D. Stroyer, to sway the jury to convict him of "murdering" the wetland (can use appropriate sounds and/or music.)(VS) (Nat)(VL)(MR)
- A persuasive letter to Mr. Stroyer, educating him on the value of the wetlands and its need for preservation.(SF)(VL)(Intra)
- An Inspiration Flow Chart (to be used by the prosecution) to explain the interdependence of the various systems supported by the wetland. (ST)(VS)(Ex)
- A Public Service Annoucement (video with powerpoint back drop) advertising the need for preservation of our state's wetlands.(NF)(BK)
1. After meeting with the librarian, to brainstorm both a list of questions you'd like to research and where you might find answers to those questions. (Click here for a list of sample questions.) You will use both the library and internet sources below to gather your information. Use the Organizer/PowerPoint planner to organize your information. Don't forget to record the source number so that you can adequately cite your "sources."
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Websites: 1. http://mbgnet.mobot.org/fresh/ 2. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/expltx/eft/bbsp/wetl/ 3. http://poster.hprtec.org/view/poster.php?poster_id=69368 4. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/refuges/c065.html 5. http://www.wetland.org/educ_wetlandinfo2.htm Books: 6. Blaxland, Beth. "Water Worlds Mangroves." Broomall: Chelsea House, 2002. 7. Fleisher, Paul. "Salt Marsh." New York: Marshall Cavendish, 1999 8. Fowler, Allen. "Life in a Wetland." Danbury: Children's Press, 1998. 9. Gray, Shirley. "Wetlands." Minneapolis: Compass Point Books, 2001. 10. Greenaway, Theresa. "Swamp Life." London: Dorling Kindersley, 1993. 11. Hickman, Pamela. "Wetlands." Toronto: Kids Can Press, 1993. 12. Kalman, Bobbie and Amanda Bishop. "What are Wetlands?" New York: Crabtree, 2003. 13. Pipes, Rose. "Wetlands." Austin: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 1998. 14. Sayre, April Pulley. "Wetland." Brookfield: Twenty-First Century Books, 1996. 15. Stone, Lynn M. "Wetlands." Vero Beach: Rourke, 2004. 16. Stone, Lynn M. "Wetlands Biomes."
Vero Beach: Rourke, 1996.
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2. After gathering all your research you will begin work on your final product. Remember to have an effective presentation or product you must:
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Present your information clearly and concisely with all required elements
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Use the "rules" of good design (white space, lack of clutter)
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Check the Evaluation Rubric to make sure you have met all the required criteria
For Powerpoints, in addition to above: -
Choose 1 type of background and 1 transition and animation type to use throughout.
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Change slides on the click- not timed.
3.Practice your Presentation before you give it!!!
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Self Evaluation Checklist- How are you doing?
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Grading rubric- You will receive an grade on the research project based on the attached rubric. (Use the one designated by your teacher.)
Rubric 1
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How did you do on the research process? Checklist.
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Peer evaluation for the Presentations
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As a result
of your hard work, D. Stroyer's efforts have been undone....the city council
has authorized the use of city funds to try to re-establish the wetlands
to its original condition. As you have found, reconstructing wetlands is
very difficult and sometimes not successful. However, after hearing from
you, the concerned citizens, and seeing your hard work in researching and
promoting our native wetland, the council has determined that any money
spent in this endeavor will be well spent and monitored in the hands of
such a knowledgeable public.
Congratulations!!!
Visit Soon......
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Images above from: http://www.cibolo.org/Default.htm