ACTIVITY:
“I’m a Survivor”

Objectives:

• Use field experiences and/or the Internet to research the plants and animals of the wetlands.
• Observe and collect ecological information about the plants and animals of the wetlands.
  
• Understand adaptations of plants and animals to wetland ecosystems.
  
• Compare and contrast the flora and fauna of a local wetland with those of another wetland in the state, country, or world.
  
• Prepare a portfolio of materials documenting the research.
  
• Communicate information about the plants and animals of the wetlands.
  
• Note: If it is not possible to provide students with a field experience, this
  activity can be conducted as an Internet research project.
  

Teaching Materials:

• Field guides (wetlands, plants, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds,
  mammals, etc.)
  
• Field gear and equipment (old clothes/shoes, nets, collecting jars, plant
  presses, notebook or field log, permanent marker, pencils, sunscreen, insect
  repellent, hat, water, snacks, etc.)
  
• Camera and film (digital, prints or slides) or video camera
  
• Tape recorder (if desired)
  
• Computer with Internet provider
  
• Copies of “I’m a Survivor: Student Field Log Sheet” and “I’m a Survivor: Internet Log Sheet”
  
• Paper
  
• Pencil
  

Procedure:

1. Working alone or as part of a cooperative learning group, follow instructions on the “I’m a Survivor: Student Field Log Sheet” and the “I’m a Survivor: Internet Log Sheet.”
   
2. Prepare a portfolio containing documentation of your field work and Internet research on wetland flora and fauna. Include items such as:
   Photos, slides or video, Audiotapes, Journals, Collected specimens (any collecting should have an absolute minimum negative impact on the wetlands), Drawings or sketches, Map, “I’m a Survivor: Student Field Log Sheet” and “I’m a Survivor: Internet Log Sheet”

Extensions:

1. Have students present the results of their Internet research to the class or to other classes.
2. Conduct a litter cleanup of the area around the field site.

or on to Chapter 8!

1. Ch. 7 Intro
2. Essential Questions
3. Ecosystems
4. Energy Flow Through an Ecosystem
5. Healthy vs. Unhealthy Ecosystems
6. Biodiversity
7. Threatened and Endangered Species in the Basin
8. Decision Making and Issue Analysis
9. Ecosystem Tumble
10. Activity: I'm a Survivor