Watersheds

River Puzzle

This artistic activity allows students to work independently on their puzzle piece, but comes together into a group mural project that can be displayed along a wall. There is a lot of scientific, historic & geographic information that can be woven into the lesson as well. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Grade Level: 2 - 12 (younger kids will need help understanding the perspective of their drawings; for older students, this activity could be a good fit as part of a more in-depth lesson about watersheds, land use, environmental issues, etc)

Time: 30 - 60 minutes

Learning Standards: SS2.C, ESS3.C, LS4.D, ETS1.B, MP.2, RF4, W7, SL1

Go With the Flow

In this active game, participants will understand the dynamics of runoff and stormwater flow in a watershed, how this can be a leading cause of non-point source water pollution, and how features of a healthily functioning ecosystem, like wetlands and riparian areas, mitigate these harmful impacts. Click here for the lesson plan.

Grade Level: K-8

Time: 30 minutes

Learning Standards: ESS2.C, ESS3.C, MP.4, SL1

Build a Watershed

This engaging hands-on, small group activity offers students an in-depth 3D perspective on watersheds, while allowing them to creatively explore. Click here for more!

Grade Level: 3 - 9

Time: 30 - 60 minutes

Learning Standards: ESS2.C, ESS3.C, MP.5, SL1, SL2

Build a Biosphere

Building a biosphere can be an exciting way to have a bit of ecology in a contained space. Biospheres can be terrestrial or aquatic. Click here for more!

Grade Level: 5-8

Time: 20-40 minutes

Learning Standards: LS2.A, ESS2.E, MP.2, SL1, SL2

Lake Ecology Video

This 4-minute original Lake Ecology video demonstrates the food webs present in a single scoop of lake water, including producers, consumers, and decomposers. Click here for more!

Grade Level: 5-8

Time: 5-20 minutes

Learning Standards: LS2.A, ESS2.C, MP.6, W7, SL2

Story Writing Prompt:

"I am The LorFish - I speak for the Seas!"

For this activity we would like you to tell the story of the LorFish! The LorFish is our version of the famous environmental tale, "The Lorax," by Dr. Suess. In the story, the Lorax speaks for the trees because they cannot speak for themselves. In this writing activity, The LorFish speaks for the Seas, and all of the tributaries and lakes that are connected to it. Take this prompt and write an environmental tale about The LorFish and how it protects our important waters. We can't wait to read your stories!

Grade Level: 2 - 5 (easily modified for older students)

Time: 15 - 45 minutes

Learning Standards: ESS2.C, ESS3.C, MP.3, W3