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This guide highlights 10 conservation activities, adapted from farms and ranches, that can be used in the backyard. Each activity provides background information and instructions on how to complete the activity. The activities concern: (1) tree planting; (2) wildlife habitat; (3) backyard ponds; (4) nutrient management; (5) terracing; (6) water conservation; (7) backyard wetlands; (8) composting; (9) mulching; and (10) pest management. (MVL)

This project aims to provide basic steps for students to restore and create wildlife habitats on school grounds. Four chapters are included in this guide, and each chapter is divided into teacher and student sections. Chapter 1 provides necessary information for starting a habitat project. Chapters 2, 3, and 4 discuss the details for the Forest Habitat Project, the Wetland Habitat Project, and the Meadow Habitat Project. (YDS)

This set of activities is designed to bring water resource education into the middle school classroom using an interdisciplinary approach. The packet contains timely, localized information about the water resources of west central Florida. Each activity is aligned to middle-school Sunshine State Standards. These hands-on, minds-on activities can be used alone or together as a ready-made team project. Each activity includes introductory information, learning goals, subject disciplines covered, and standards met along with necessary materials and activity descriptions. Many also have activity extensions. Students design a new Florida town that balances economic and environmental consequences, build models of wetlands and the hydrologic cycle, write stories tracing the journey of a water drop through the hydrologic cycle, and design landscapes using drought-tolerant plants and principles. A special packet of fact sheets on Florida's endangered species and their wetland habitat includes a memory game. Other activities address water needed for growing food, home water use, water preservation in Florida, and desalination plants. Individual fact sheets offer water-conservation tips and discuss the history of Florida wetlands. Addresses on the World Wide Web that provide water data, educational activities, and links to additional water Web sites are also included. (PVD)

This guide is part of a campaign to encourage individuals to adopt an environmentally friendly lifestyle. All available information, tools, and resources are provided to help individuals, neighborhoods, and communities live in a cleaner, healthier environment. Resources from both local and national levels include titles of organizations, brief descriptions, telephone numbers, and Web site addresses where available. Contents include: (1) "Agriculture"; (2) "Earth"; (3) "Energy"; (4) "Forests and Plants"; (5) "Home and the Workplace"; (6) "Just for Fun"; (7) "Land Use, Conservation and Natural Resources"; (8) "Pollution and Waste Management"; (9) "Sustainable Community"; (10) "Teacher Resources"; (11) "Transportation"; (12) "Water and Wetlands"; (13) "Wildlife"; (15) "Yard and Garden"; (16) "Recommended Reading"; (17) "Recycling Pages"; (18) "Paper vs. Plastic"; (19) "Understanding Plastic Recycling"; (20) "The Power of Personal Choice"; (21) "Experiments/How To Use Less Stuff"; and (22) "Questions and Answers." (CCM)

This guide comprises materials largely drawn from existing environmental education materials. The four major subject areas discussed mirror the Adopt-A Stream activities and include watersheds, nonpoint source pollution, and biological and chemical monitoring of stream conditions. The activities in this guide are grouped according to grade levels. K-5 activities include: (1) "Stream Journey (Introductory) K-2"; (2) "An Imaginary River (Watershed) K-2"; (3) "Are You Me? (Biological) K-2"; (4) "Water Wings (Nonpoint and Biological) K-2"; and (5) "Little Sprouts (Biological) K-5." Materials for grades 3-8 include: (1) "Picture Perfect (Nonpoint) 5-8"; (2) "Pollution Solutions (Nonpoint) 3-8"; (3) "Adopt-A-Stream Detectives (Biological) 3-5"; and (4) "Pondering pH (Chemical) 3-5." Activities for grades 6-12 include: (1) "How Big Is the River--Really? (Watershed) 6-12"; (2) "How Much Water Falls Here? (Watershed) 6-12"; (3) "Dragonfly Pond (Nonpoint) 6-8"; (4) "Name Those BUGS! (Biological) 6-12"; (5) "Adopt-A-Stream Chemical Monitoring (Chemical) 6-8"; (6) "Fertile Green (Biological) 6-8"; (7) "Watershed Walk (Watershed) 6-12"; (8) "Rolling Down the River (Watershed) 6-12"; (9) "Lethal Lots (Nonpoint) 9-12"; (10) "Adopt-A Stream Chemical Monitoring (Chemical) 9-12"; and (11) "Breathtaking (Biological) 9-12." (CCM)

This guide was developed to help teachers use the 14th season of NEWTON'S APPLE in their classrooms and contains lessons formatted to follow the National Science Education Standards. The "Overview,""Main Activity," and "Try-This" sections were created with inquiry-based learning in mind. Each lesson page begins with "Getting Started," which contains a simple activity and a series of open-ended, inquiry-based questions to engage students. These activities are designed to gauge what the students know about the subject and to initiate discussion. Lessons include background information, interdisciplinary connections, resources, and hands-on activities. Also included is a Guide to Enjoying NEWTON'S APPLE at Home that encourages family participation in science education. Topics are as follows: (1) Spelunking; (2) Human Eye; (3) Tahiti Special which includes Sharks and Black Pearls; (4) Riverboats; (5) Body Fat; (6) Hypercoaster; (7) Nicotine; (8) Avalanche Rescue; (9) Prosthetic Limbs; (10) Andes Special on Inca Engineering; (11) Ski Jumping; (12) Bee Stings; (13) Rain Forest Special which includes Rain Forest Plants and Rain Forest Animals; (14) Olympic Solar Energy; (15) Soccer; (16) Malaria Tracking; (17) Clocks; (18) Post Office; (19) Gems; (20) Ethanol; (21) Bones; and (22) Water Special that includes Wetlands and Drinking Water. (JRH)

This handbook features ideas for implementing Project WET activities in Virginia. Project WET activities are designed for a variety of educational programs and can be used to complement existing curricula while addressing curricular objectives and educational standards nationwide. Activities include: (1) "Life Systems"; (2) "Atmospheric Water/Precipitation"; (3) "General Surface Water/Distribution"; (4) "Movement of Water Over Earth's Surface"; (5) "Groundwater"; (6) "Natural Disasters"; (7) "Waterborne Disease"; (8) "Public Process"; (9) "Wastewater Management"; (10) "Water Rights"; (11) "Water History"; (12) "Water Science"; (13) "Water Users"; (14) "Watersheds"; (15) "Wetlands"; (16) "Virginia's Water Fact Sheet"; (17) "Making Water Usable"; (18) "Treating Wastewater"; (19)"Septic Tanks"; (20) "Desalination"; and (21) "Contaminants in the Water: How Much is Too Much." (CCM)

This guide facilitates and promotes awareness, appreciation, and knowledge of North Dakota's wetland resources. It is an interdisciplinary wetland activity guide for kindergarten through 12th grade teachers. It was developed specifically for North Dakota educators by North Dakota education and natural resource professionals about North Dakota's wetland resources. This guide integrates the curriculum goals for science, social studies, geography, mathematics, North Dakota studies, English/language arts, and art. Each activity contains abstract reference information about intended age level, subject area, duration, group size, teaching settings, skills, North Dakota curriculum references, and key vocabulary. Information is provided about intended learning outcomes, rationale for the activity, necessary student prior knowledge, background information, list of materials needed to conduct the activity, step-by-step procedures, activity extensions, evaluation methods, and material reference information. The appendices contain a list of skills, North Dakota curriculum frameworks reference list, information about North Dakota agencies and organizations associated with wetlands conservation, and information about major wetland protection efforts. Also includes a glossary. (AIM)

This curriculum guide was designed to give teachers, students, and society a better understanding of wetlands in the hope that they learn why wetlands should be valued and preserved. It explores what is meant by wetlands, functions and values of wetlands, wetland activities, and wetland offerings which benefit animal and plant life, recreation, the environment, and humans. Sections include: (1) What is a Wetland?; (2) How Wet is a Wetland? The Importance of Water; (3) The Power of Wetland Plants; (4) What's the Muck on Wetland Soils?; (5) Why are Wetlands Important?; (6) Come For Just a Visit--Or Stay for a Lifetime; (7) Get To Know Your Wetland; and (8) Wrapping it Up. Includes a glossary and an index. (JRH)

This curriculum guide was developed to provide environmental education through a series of hands-on activities for the classroom and the outdoor setting of Goose Creek State Park, North Carolina. This activity packet, designed for the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, meets established curriculum objectives of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's Standard Course of Study. Students are exposed to the following major concepts: wetland physiology, wetland hydrology, wetland soils, wetland habitats, water quality, wetland flora and fauna, resource management, and adaptations. The packet is divided into eight section: (1) introduction to the North Carolina State Parks System, Goose Creek State Park, Wetlands, and the activity packet; (2) activity summary; (3) pre-visit activities; (4) on-site activities; (5) post-visit activities; (6) vocabulary and definitions; (7) references (26 entries); and (8) a scheduling worksheet, parental permission form, and program evaluation. Activity information includes curriculum objectives for each grade level, location, group size, estimated time, appropriate season, materials, major concepts, objectives, educator's information, student's information, and worksheets. (LZ)

This teacher's guide focuses on the value and functions of wetlands by integrating science and the politics of wetlands into a geographic framework. Wetlands are highly dynamic, diverse, and prolific ecosystems. The volume advocates a need for mutual understanding and harmony of effort in order to deal with the complex issues of the wetlands. The chapters include the following: (1) "Introduction" expressing a need for mutual understanding and harmony of effort; (2) "Definitions and Geographic Relationships of Wetlands"; (3) "Wetland Systems: Functions, Values, and Delineation"; (4) "Learning Activities K-6, 7-9, 8-10, and Senior High-College." Appendices include: (1) "Glossary"; (2) "Common Wetland Indicator Vegetation"; (3) "How to Use Munsell Soil Indicator Charts"; (4)"Technical Criteria: Hydrophytic Vegetation, Hydric Soils, and Hydrology"; and (5) "Data Form for Delineating Wetlands." Extensive maps, charts, and figures accompany the text. Contains a selected resource list and 30 references. (EH)

Almost every school in the United States has natural areas nearby that are often overlooked as learning sites. The intent of this document is to provide educators with a platform to begin natural resource programming at sites near their school. Philosophical as well as concrete information is outlined to provide both intrinsic and conceptual connections to natural resource areas. This document is divided into five parts. Part 1, "Connecting Students to Natural Resource Areas," outlines the effectiveness of such programs. Part 2, "Getting Started," includes sites and site selection, planning and proposal writing, project plan outlines, changing attitudes and structures, changing teacher roles, changing educational models, and the time issue. Part 3, "Program Strategies," includes creating an identity, increasing community contact, creating student leadership, spending some time on aesthetics, approaching resource people, funding ideas, field techniques, Earth ethics and etiquette, and project ideas. Part 4, "Models," includes four different models of programming based on a nearby natural resource area. Part 5 outlines some closing thoughts. A list of federal agencies, private/nonprofit organizations, State agencies, local agencies, and political and industrial contacts are included in the appendix. (JRH)

This multidisciplinary, progressional unit involves students in discovering wetlands and why such areas are important, and in learning they can make a difference in saving wetlands. The unit is designed to be taught with two options: (1) entirely in the classroom; and (2) a combination of classroom and field experience. Fourteen classroom lessons focus on wetland identification; wetland functions; wetland biodiversity; wetland values, attitudes, and issues; human impact on wetlands; wetland laws and regulations; and wetland actions. Each lesson plan contains information on purpose, method, concept, objectives, subjects, skills, materials, glossary words, time considerations, background, procedure, and worksheets. Seven field component activities emphasize the topics of student awareness and observational skills, diversity of wetlands, "hands on" experiential study of wetland ecology, biological adaptations to marsh life, inter-connectedness of wetland organisms, responsible wildlife management tools, and positive outdoor education experiences. A glossary is followed by resource lists containing 64 books, 14 teaching guides, and 10 audiovisual aids. (LZ)

Water is the lifeblood of the environment as no organisms can survive without it. This reference booklet is designed to help people make environmentally responsible decisions. The primer is targeted at the general public (grade 8 to post-secondary) to be used by educators, communities and organizations as well as individuals, as part of a learning campaign to help Canadians improve their understanding of the environment. Formatted as questions and answers, the booklet focuses on different aspects of water. These aspects include its physical characteristics, its availability both above and below ground, the uses people make of it, and how water is shared and managed. The primer contains some practical advice on how individuals can conserve water as a natural resource. Chapters are also devoted to ecosystems, facts about water in Canada, and water facts about the Great Lakes. A selected glossary provides definitions to terms. (AIM)

Through its Public Involvement and Education (PIE) Model Projects Fund, the Puget Sound Water Quality Authority has helped local organizations provide education and public involvement programs that help solve local environmental problems. This catalog describes 96 projects successful in addressing the issue of water quality. The projects are reported in six categories: (1) Understanding Watersheds; (2) Preventing Nonpoint Pollution; (3) Preventing Stormwater Pollution; (4) Protecting Wetlands; (5) Protecting Fish, Wildlife, and Shellfish Habitat; and (6) Involving the Public in Water Quality Decisions. Each project description includes sponsors, amount of PIE funding, target audience, additional resources, area covered, purpose, products, audience responses, project coordinators, project timeline, methods uses to implement the project, and results. PIE Project selection and evaluation criteria are included in the introduction. An index is provided. (MDH)

This booklet contains 20 activities designed to make students aware of the intricate linkages between soil, water, and vegetation, and how mismanagement damages the environment. Under this broad theme a wide range of concepts is covered. The activities help develop skills of observation, measurement, data collection, model-making, and creative writing. Information has been provided about the main subject area covered by each activity, the time and equipment needed, the optimum number of students with whom to carry it out, and whether it is an indoor or an outdoor activity. Activity topics include the water cycle, distribution of the Earth's water, weather records, writing about rain, measuring rain, water content in soil, soil erosion, soil salinity, soil permeability, aquifers and wells, flood control, wetlands, and urban flooding. (MDH)

This booklet is designed to help people make environmentally responsible decisions. This activity booklet is targeted at students as part of a learning campaign to help Canadians improve their understanding of the environment. The imaginary journey From the Mountains to the Sea is a trip along the Eco River following molecules of water from high in the mountains to the ocean below. The trip illustrates the interdependence of all parts of the ecosystem and shows how the environment cannot be divided into distinct areas for study because air, water, land, plants and animal life are all interrelated. Many activities are suggested throughout the booklet to do both in and outside of the classroom. (AIM)

This guide, for a 4-H wetlands project, is designed for sixth to eighth grade youth and their leaders interested in learning and doing aquatic science activities that can help the environment. The project provides basic wetland information with one or more activities for each of six sections: (1) What is a wetland?; (2) value of wetlands; (3) wetland types; (4) products from wetlands; (5) wetland destruction; and (6) wetland regulation. Also provided is a wetlands reference list and project record sheet. The leader/teacher guide contains additional information for each activity section, answers to both the question and discussion sections, background information, sources for teaching aids and further information, and a project evaluation form. (Author/MCO)

This guidebook is designed to assist concerned Michigan citizens, local governments, conservation organizations, landowners, and others in their efforts to initiate wetlands protection activities. Chapter 1 focuses on wetland functions, values, losses, and the urgent need to protect wetland resources. Chapter 2 discusses wetland identification and delineation. Chapter 3 considers state, federal, and local regulatory programs. Chapter 4 presents information and strategies regarding citizen involvement. Chapter 5 discusses non-regulatory approaches to wetland protection. Chapter 6 focuses on methods and mechanisms for educating various target audiences. Chapter 7 addresses selected issues regarding wetlands protection. The appendices contain materials that have been compiled to serve as background materials for the text: (1) Michigan organizations involved in wetland protection; (2) Goemaere-Anderson Wetland Protection Act; (3) Goemaere-Anderson Wetland Protection Act-Administrative Rules; (4) Sample, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Permit Application Listing; (5) State and Federal Wetlands Regulatory Agencies; and (6) Educational Materials. (MCO)

This teacher's guide offers background information that teachers can use to incorporate topics related to agriculture and the environment into the curriculum. Classroom activities to bring these topics alive for students in grades 6-9 are suggested. Chapters include: (1) Pesticides and Integrated Pest Management; (2) Food Safety; (3) Water Quality; (4) Understanding Wetlands; and (5) Endangered Species. Contains 44 references. (WRM)

Estuaries are marine systems that serve as nurseries for animals, links in the migratory pathways, and habitat for a complex community of organisms. This curriculum guide intended for use at the middle school level is designed for use with the on-site program developed by the Padilla Bay National Esturine Research Reserve (Washington). The guide is divided into three main sections: (1) pre-trip information, activities, and resources; (2) on-site program materials; and (3) post-trip ideas that integrate the trip with language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, physical education, creative thinking, art, music, and health. All three sections are considered essential for the success of the program. Other sections in the guide contain information about the plant, human, and animal life related to estuaries and a form to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. (MDH)

This curriculum guide is the last (Series VII) in a six-volume set that comprises the Sea Week Curriculum Series developed in Alaska. The guide lends itself to the sixth-grade curriculum but can be adapted to preschool, secondary, and adult education. Eight units contain 43 activities with worksheets that cover the following topics: (1) the values of rivers, wetlands, and the sea; (2) marine mammals; (3) logging, fisheries, and wildlife; (4) oil and oil development; (5) community planning along Alaska's coasts and rivers; (6) weather; (7) a review of Sea Week's past; and (8) a Sea Week camping experience. An introduction provides information designed to help teachers become familiar with the contents of the curriculum guide and to assist in planning. Each unit contains information on student objectives, and activity background, vocabulary, materials, and procedure. Activities engage students in interdisciplinary projects that involve the skills of classifying, identifying, comparing, computing, measuring, game playing, role playing, writing, observing, mapping, collecting data, recording data, and analyzing data. An annotated bibliography contains 200 resources. A packet of teacher reproducible worksheet masters accompanies the curriculum guide. (LZ)

This curriculum guide is the fourth (Series V) in a six-volume set that comprises the Sea Week Curriculum Series developed in Alaska. Twelve units contain 45 activities with worksheets that cover the following topics: (1) bird lists and field guides; (2) definitions of a bird; (3) parts of a bird; (4) bird watching; (5) bird migration; (6) wetland habitats; (7) nests and nesting; (8) wetland plants and animals; (9) wetlands field trip; (10) birds and people; (11) wetlands values, habitat protection, and development; and (12) a birds and wetlands review. Activities sharpen skills in language arts, science, social studies, math, music, art, and physical education. An introduction provides information designed to help teachers become familiar with the contents of the curriculum guide and to assist in planning. Each unit contains descriptive information on activity objectives, materials, and procedures. An annotated bibliography contains 152 resources. A packet of teacher reproducible worksheet masters accompanies the curriculum guide and contains a 64-word student glossary. A student field guide to common Alaska birds provides a small illustration and range map along with behavioral information for 100 birds. (LZ)

This curriculum guide is the second (Series II) in a six-volume set that comprises the Sea Week Curriculum Series developed in Alaska. This second book in the series lends itself to the first-grade level but can be adapted to preschool, secondary, and adult education. Nine units contain 30 activities with worksheets that cover the following topics: (1) introduction to marine invertebrates; (2) marine invertebrate species; (3) beach field studies; (4) freshwater invertebrates; (5) fish; (6) amphibians; (7) marine mammals; (8) freshwater mammals; and (9) aquatic habitats. An introduction provides information designed to help teachers become familiar with the contents of the curriculum guide and to assist in planning. Each unit contains information on student objectives, and activity background, vocabulary, materials, and procedure. Activities engage students in interdisciplinary projects that involve the skills of observing, identifying, reading, writing, coloring, numbering, counting, comparing, investigating, composing songs, role playing, and game playing. An annotated bibliography contains 239 resources divided according to unit. A packet of teacher reproducible worksheet masters accompanies the curriculum guide. (LZ)

This curriculum guide is the first (Series I) in a six-volume set that comprises the Sea Week Curriculum Series developed in Alaska. As a basic introduction, this first book in the series lends itself to the kindergarten level but can be adapted to preschool, secondary, and adult education. Six units contain 32 activities with worksheets that cover the following topics: (1) the ocean; (2) wetlands; (3) marine animals; (4) seashore animals; (5) seaweed; and (6) birds of wetlands, rivers, and seashores. An introduction provides information designed to help teachers become familiar with the contents of the curriculum guide and to assist in planning. Each unit contains information on student objectives, and activity background, vocabulary, materials, and procedure. Activities engage students in interdisciplinary projects that involve the skills of communicating, modeling, tasting, counting, listening, drawing, painting, writing, comparing, role playing, identifying, and observing. An annotated bibliography contains 118 resources divided according to unit. A packet of teacher reproducible worksheet masters accompanies the curriculum guide. (LZ)

This document provides a water quality curriculum guide for grades 4 and 5. Contents include: (1) Wetlands Wonders Resource Library; (2) Introduction to Water Quality and Wetlands; (3) Water Words; (4) The Water Cycle; (5) Watersheds: Rain Coming and Going; (6) The Water Detective; (7) Ground Water; (8) What's Soil Got To Do with It?; (9) In the Water: In the Plants; (10) A Wetland Sampler; (11) Wetland Food Web; (12) People and Wetlands; (13) Wetlands Odyssey-Field Books and Information; (14) Wetlands Data Gathering; (15) Wetland Odyssey Field Trip Book Copy Pages; (16) Thirsty Soil Investigation Leader's Page; (17) Wetlands Habitat Transect Investigation Leader's Page; (18) Wetland Investigation Leader's Page; (19) Wrapping It All Up; (20) Concluding Water Quality and Wetlands Post-Survey; (21) Bibliography and Resources List; and (22) Oregon State University Extension Program Evaluation. Appendices include: Soil Tube Assembly; Transparency Masters; and Activity Card Masters (Water Cycle Activity Cards; What's Soil Got To Do with It? Activity Cards; and Wetland Web of Life Clue Card). (CCM)