Adopt an EcosystemWetlands WebQuest

(Target Audience: Grade 1 and 2.) Teachers: Depending on your students' reading ability, activities may need teacher input.

Introduction

The Olson Nature Preserve is the site of seven ecosystems. The ecosystems are: wetlands, sandhills, oak grove, prairie, blowout, fresh water,. Through this webquest, students will explore the wetlands and the plants and animals that live there.

Terms to Know. . .

Ecosystem - an area that always has the same kinds of animals and plants.
Wetlands - places where land and water come together
Endangered - an animal or plant that is protected by the government because there are not many alive
Pollution - material that is poisonous because it is where is should not be

The Task

Students will write and illustrate a group story using the wetlands as a home for a crayfish, a Sandhills crane, a water lily, and a cattail.

Resources

Nebraka Wetlands (An overview of Nebraska wetlands prepared by UNL)
Wetlands (This site describes what wetlands are and why they are important.)

The Process

1.   Print and complete the worksheet you find when you click on the word Questions.
2.   Print and color the picture of Sandhills Cranes.
3.   Print and color the picture of crayfish.
4.   Student groups will write and illustrate a story using a Sandhills crane, a crayfish, a water lily, and a cattail as characters.

Evaluation

Group Writing Rubric

Conclusion

Wetlands are homes for many animals and plants. Some of these animals and plants are on the government's endangered list. It is important the we learn how to take care of the wetlands so these animals and plants can survive.

Prepared by Carol E. Eischeid and Lisa Carder
Petersburg Public School
Petersburg, NE
8/28/00