Wetlands Ecosystem Exploration

Grades 3-5

Students will engage in a brief indoor discussion on the different kinds of wetlands, the ecosystem services the provide and the many organisms that depend upon this special habitat. Groups then venture to Glade Creek to catch and examine crayfish, minnows, and other critters. Here we explore the features of the wetland ecosystem and the interdependencies of the organisms that inhabitant it. The best time for this program is from May to October. Children should wear socks and closed-toe shoes that can get wet. Participants should also bring a change of clothing, including dry socks and shoes.

Program Details

Program length: 90 minutes

Minimum: 10 Maximum: 50

Program length: 120 minutes

Minimum: 26 Maximum: 50

Chaperones required: 1 chaperone per 15 students

Cost: $4.50 per person

Next Generation Science Standards

ESS2.A Earth Materials and Systems

ESS2.C  The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes

ESS2.E  BioGeology (K-ESS2-2)

ESS3.A  Natural Resources (K-ESS3-1)

ESS3.C  Human Impact on Earth Systems (K-ESS3-3)

LS1.A  Structure and Function (1-LS1-1, 4-LS1-1)

LS1.C  Organization for Matter and Energy Flow (5-LS1-1)

LS2.A  Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems (2-LS2-1, 5-LS2-1)

LS2.B  Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems (5-LS2-1)

LS2.C  Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience (3-LS4-4)

LS4.C  Adaptation (3-LS4-3)

LS4.D  Biodiversity and Humans (3-LS4-4)

PS3.D  Energy in chemical processes and everyday life (5-PS3-1)

ESTS1.B Developing possible solutions

Maryland Environmental Literacy Curriculum

Standard 3: Topic A, Indicator 1; Topic C, Indicator 1 
Standard 4: Topics A-E, All Indicators 
Standard 5: Topic A, Indicators 1 and 2 
Standard 6: Topic A, Indicator 1; Topic B, Indicator 1 
Standard 7: Topic A, Indicator 1