Watershed Webquest 2018

In the Watershed

Goal: To explore watersheds and determine ways we can help to protect this valuable resource.

Learning Targets:

    I can:

•  apply my understanding of academic vocabulary terms to demonstrate understanding of watersheds.
• define watersheds, estuary, bay, wetland, point and non-point source pollution
• characteristics for my local watershed (Delaware Bay) and understand the human impact on it.

ACTIVITIES: Directions are underlined for each website.  

Match the activity with the amount of water used:

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/flash/flash_matching.html 

Predict ways to change the amount of water used for three of the activities.

Dig deeper into the stream and discover some macroinvertebrates in Masterbug Theater.  Make sure to click on the slide show.

http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/kids/masterbug/index.cfm 

1. Define these terms:

macroinvertebrate

pollutant-intolerant macroinvertebrate

pollutant-tolerant macroinvertebrates

Differentiate between 3 macroinvertebrate indicator species.

1.

2.

3.

1. Identify examples of nonpoint source pollution and share alternatives.  http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/kids/whatswrong/index.cfm 

Discuss three examples of nonpoint source pollution and the alternatives provided.   

1. Find out more about the DE River and Bay by viewing the article: http://www.state.nj.us/drbc/library/documents/treasure.PDF 

http://tydb.mobiusnm.com/what%E2%80%99s-unique-about-delaware-bay-0 

1. Show an historical fact:

1. Explain examples of industry:

1. Discuss the importance of the estuary?

1. Discuss why the horseshoe crab is important to the bay?

1. Investigate flora and fauna of the wetlands in this activity:

http://www.earthskids.com/ek_science-pond-wetland.htm 

1. Name and describe an autotroph:

1. Name and describe a heterotroph:

1. Investigate the Delaware River/Bay History in the Estuary News Report: https://s3.amazonaws.com/delawareestuary/pdf/EstuaryNews/2012/SummerNews12.pdf 

Article:  Our Estuary Through the Years:  After evaluating the timeline, choose 4 critical moments in the bay’s history and justify your choices.

Article:  Water Use and Needs: Summarize the main uses and needs of the Delaware Bay.

Article:  Water Pollution:  Explain the dead zone.

        Article:  Coastal Wetlands:  Prove why scientists believe the wetlands are the “kidneys” of a waterway.

Article:  Horseshoe Crabs:  Explain the importance of a healthy horseshoe crab population.

Choose 1 other article that interests you.  Read the article and then complete the tasks below.

Article Name:

Summarize the article:

Relate this article to previous article(s) read and Explain this relationship