| Subject | Language Arts, Science |
| Topic | Functions of the Wetlands |
| Skills | Writing, critical thinking, graphics, hypermedia |
| Level | 5th |
| Time | 3 - 4 class periods |
| Objectives | The student will (in groups of three):
1) Learn about the importance of the wetlands by discovering the functions that the wetlands serve 2) Apply the knowledge of the functions of the wetlands to make a hyperstudio stack both narrating and illustrating the functions of the wetlands 3) Use the knowledge of the functions of the wetlands to write letters to other members of the school urging them to take actions to save the wetlands, including the functions of wetlands that make them so important to save |
| Instructional Materials | Internet, Library books on the wetlands, Science Textbooks, Magazines, Hyperstudio, Inspiration (or other software for brainstorming) |
| Background Information | First, it would be helpful to know exactly what a wetland is, so you and your group can go here to find out some information on what a wetland is. Write down at least six qualities of the wetlands in a group journal. |
| Procedure | 1) Once you have found out what a
wetland is, brainstorm some ideas for at least six possible functions of
the wetlands using Inspiration (or other brainstorming software).
Print out a copy of your brainstorming activity.
2) Next, you can find out the actual functions of wetlands by using library books on the wetlands, science textbooks, magazines and by visiting these websites: Wetlands Site for Kids EPA Values and Functions of Wetlands EPA Economic Benefits of Wetlands Record at least eight of these functions in your group journal. 3) Now that you know the roles that the wetlands can play in the environment, choose the five functions that you think are the most important. Circle these five functions in your group journal. 4) Using these five functions, make a hyperstudio stack on the functions of the wetlands The stack should include: I) a title card containing a menu or pictures to link to other cards II) a card for each of the five functions you have chosen III) each card must have the function typed out and have an original illustration or picture from the internet; there must be original illustrations on at least 3 of your cards IV) you must include navigation buttons so that the person viewing the stack can navigate through it 5) Present your hyperstudio stack to the class and allow them to view the stack on their own. Turn your group journal and your brainstorming activity sheet in to your teacher. |
| Evaluation | See Rubric |
| Extension | 1) Now you can write a letter to another
person in your school telling them how important the wetlands are and that
they should take actions to save the wetlands. Be sure to include
the functions of the wetlands that you think make it so important to save
them.
2) Create a poster in Appleworks to hang in your school to persuade people to save the wetlands, being sure to include at least one function of the wetlands that makes them important. 2) Once you've finished with everything, you can take a survey on your feelings about the wetlands. Just go here and click on Take Poll. |
| Standards | The student is expected to:
Language Arts: 1) select varied sources such as nonfiction, novels, textbooks, newspapers, and magazines when reading for information or pleasure; 2) use multiple sources, including electronic texts, experts, and print resources, to locate information relevant to research questions; 3) write to influence such as to persuade, argue, and request 4) generate ideas and plans for writing by using such prewriting strategies such as brainstorming, graphic organizers, notes, and logs; 5) use available technology to support aspects of creating, revising, editing, and publishing texts; Science: 1) analyze and interpret information to construct reasonable explanations from direct and indirect evidence; 2) communicate valid conclusions; Technology: 1) save and delete files, use menu options and commands, and work with more than one software application; 2) select appropriate strategies to navigate and access information on local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), including Internet and intranet, for research and resource sharing 3) acquire information including text, audio, video, and graphics 4) use software programs with audio, video, and graphics to enhance learning experiences. |
Teacher Resources:
What
are Wetlands?
The
Fragile Fringe
| 0 points | 1 point | 2 points | 3 points | |
| Inspiration Brainstorming Sheet | No brainstorming worksheet | Worksheet that includes 3 or fewer possible functions of wetlands | Worksheet that includes 5 or fewer possible functions of wetlands | Worksheet that includes 6 or more possible functions of wetlands |
| Journal | No journal | Journal that includes only one entry (either qualities of wetlands or functions of wetlands) | Journal that includes both entries but does not have the most important functions of wetlands circled | Journal that includes both entries and has the five most important functions of wetlands circled |
| Hyperstudio Stack Appearance | No stack created | Stack that contains cards that contain only text or only graphics or contains fewer than six cards | Stack that contains six cards, text, and graphics, but does not have original graphics on at least three cards | Stack that contains six cards with text and graphics and has original graphics on at least three cards |
| Stack Navigability | No navigation | Can navigate from title card to 2 or fewer cards | Can navigate from title card to 4 or fewer slides | Can navigate from title card to all other cards in stack |
| Used Time Wisely | Did not use time wisely any of the time | Used time wisely some of the time | Used time wisely most of the time | Used time wisely all of the time |
| Cooperation | No cooperation at all | Cooperated some of the time | Cooperated most of the time | Cooperated all of the time |
Two experiments that would complement this website are:
1) create a wetlands habitat in the
backyard of the school and then have the students place wetlands animals
in the habitat so that they can study the animals in their natural environments;
2) observe a wetlands environment and write
down what some of the possible functions of the wetlands could be based
on the properties that are observed.