exploring our wonderful wetlands: teacher’s guide

8/9/2019 Exploring Our Wonderful Wetlands: Teachers Guide

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Dear Teacher:Welcome to Exploring Our Wonderful Wetlands! This teachers guide has beendeveloped to use in conjunction with the Exploring Our Wonderful Wetlands

student booklet and the Wetland Wonder Cards. The purpose of the program isto educate students, residents and visitors about wetlands and water resourcesissues and to encourage protection of our natural resources.

The Exploring Our Wonderful Wetlands program is targeted for students in grades47 to increase their awareness and respect for our wetlands. The program iscorrelated to grades 35 and 68 of the Sunshine State Standards. It includes avariety of information, questions, activities, games and web sites to explore.In addition, we have included a Wetlands Challenge, which contains itemssimilar to those students could expect to find on the Florida ComprehensiveAssessment Test.

Many other free materials are available from the Southwest Florida WaterManagement District and can be ordered online atWaterMatters.org/publications/. We also offer water resources workshops for teachers. Foradditional information, please contact the Communications Department ofthe Southwest Florida Water Management District at (352) 796-7211 or1-800-423-1476 (FL only), ext. 4757, or visit our web site atWaterMatters.org.

Exploring Our Wonderful WetlandsBackground....................................................................................................Page 3

Wetland Wonder Cards .............................................................................. Page 4

Wetlands Metaphors ...................................................................................Page 5

Exploration 1

Wading Into Our Wetlands .......................................................................Page 6

Exploration 2

Searching Our Saltwater Wetlands ........................................................Page 8

Exploration 3

Finding Out About Our Freshwater Wetlands ..................................Page 12

Exploration 4

Discovering What Wetlands Do ............................................................Page 16Exploration 5

Becoming Protectors of Our Wetlands .............................................Page 20

Correlation with Sunshine State Standards ......................................Page 22

Wetlands Challenge ..................................................................................Page 24 Answer Keys ............................................................................................... Page 27

Additional Resources ............................................................................... Page 29

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BackgroundDuring the course ofExploring Our Wonderful Wetlands, your students will learnabout wetlands in general and about the vital role wetlands play in southwest

Florida. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) workshard to protect our wetlands. The SWFWMD is the regional agency responsiblefor managing water resources and maintaining a balance between the waterneeds of current and future water users without damaging the environment. Thefuture of our wetlands depends on all of us working together.

As a teacher, you have a very important role in preparing students to take onthe responsibility of environmental protection. Investing now in our studentseducation regarding the protection of our precious natural resources will help toensure that when they reach adulthood, they will be responsible citizens who areactively involved in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. In turn, they

will take on the role of preparing the next generation to continue this importantmission.

The following tips are provided to help you guide your students through theExploring Our Wonderful Wetlands program. Be sure to read the entire studentbooklet, cards and teachers guide in preparation for use with your students.

For each exploration:

Make copies of the Wetland Activity found in this teachers guide. Answersto selected activities are on the following page.

Read and discuss the exploration presented in the booklet with your students. Have students respond to Wetlands Wit and Writing About Wetlands.

Complete the Wetland Activity.

Use the Wetland Wonder Cards throughout the program. The cards may beused in any order that fits your needs.

Other activities:

As a class, review the vocabulary listed on page 20 of the student booklet.

Encourage students to use the Internet to surf the web sites included on

page 20 of the student booklet. Have students complete the activities presented on pages 1719 of the

booklet and check their answers, which are on page 22 of the booklet.

Make copies and administer the Wetlands Challenge on pages 2426 of thisteachers guide.

Have students complete the Wetland Metaphors activity on pages 12 and 13of the booklet. Answers are on page 5 of this teachers guide.

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Wetland Wonder CardsThese colorful illustrations may be used in any order and will provide yourstudents with an opportunity to discuss what it really feels like to experience

the different wetlands in our area. Be sure to allow sufficient time to brainstormabout a particular card so they can visualize what it may feel like to really bethere. You may want to have them work in small groups to encourage morecreative thinking. After a card has been discussed, have students respond to theI wonder writing prompt.

Wetland Wonder Card 1Paddling a canoe through wetlands.

Wetland Wonder Card 2A sandhill crane rests in a wet prairie.

Wetland Wonder Card 3Finding an epiphyte air plant in acypress swamp.

Wetland Wonder Card 4A raccoon searches for food in awetland.

Wetland Wonder Card 5A great blue heron wades in asaltwater marsh.

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Wetland Wonder Card 6An estuary is habitat for waterfowl.

Wetland Wonder Card 7Exploring nature in the Green Swamp.

Wetland Wonder Card 8A turtle returns to its nest in a hydrichammock.

Wetland Wonder Card 9Making observations in a cypressswamp.

Wetland Wonder Card 10An egret wades in a saltwater marsh.

Wetland Activity Answers

The Wetland Water Cycle (p. 7 of this teachers guide): 1-condensation, 2-precipitation, 3-evaporation, 4-percolation, 5-transpiration

Wetland Creatures (pp. 1213 of this teachers guide): Answers will vary.

Reasonable answers include the following:alligators: could be found in all of the wetland habitatsriver otters: cypress swamp, hardwood swamp, freshwater marshwhales: would not be found in any of these habitatsrabbits: hydric hammock, wet prairiebobcats: hydric hammock, wet prairiefish: cypress swamp, hardwood swamp, freshwater marsh


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Wetlands MetaphorsThe center spread of the student booklet contains an activity based on wetlandmetaphors. Before students begin the activity, explain the concept of a

metaphor and ask them to provide general examples of their own. Make surethey grasp the idea before applying it to wetlands. The purpose of this activity isfor students to develop an appreciation and understanding of wetlands throughthe power of metaphor, linking the characteristics and natural functions ofwetlands to the familiar realm of everyday life.

Answers to Wetland Metaphors Activity

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1

SPONGE

Wetlands act asgiant sponges by

absorbing heavyrainfall and releasingthe water very slowly.This action helps toprevent flooding.

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FILTER

Wetlands help purifyand filter water

that passes throughthem.

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WATER TOWER

Wetlands areimportant storageareas that collect

rainwater.

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PLAYGROUND

Many recreationalactivities take placein and around

wetlands.

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BED

Wetlands are restingplaces for a variety

of wildlife.

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ZOO

Wetlands support awide diversity ofwildlife.

7 Food is abundant ina productive

wetland.

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BARRIER

Wetlands serve asbuffers betweenfresh and saltwater.

PRODUCTIVE

GARDEN


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Exploration 1Wading Into Our Wetlands

Wetland Activity: Wetlands Are WonderfulDirections:You will learn that wetlands play a very important role in our environment. Youwill also learn that there are many kinds of wetlands in our area. Use coloredpencils and crayons to color the illustration of wetlands.

Wetlands are vital to a healthy environment. Theyact as reservoirsfor storm water and help clean it.

They also provide homes and breeding grounds for birdsand other wildlife. Wetlands truly are wonderful!

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Exploration 1Wading Into Our Wetlands

Wetland Activity: The Wetland Water CycleDirections:Did you know that the water in a wetland recycles itself over and over again?It is a process called the hydrologic cycle, or water cycle. The sun serves as theenergy source that causes water to move continuously through many phases.Study the phases described on the chart. Then use the information to label thedifferent phases in the illustration of the wetland water cycle.

The Hydrologic Cycle

evaporation vapor created when the sun heats water in lakes,streams, rivers, oceans, puddles, etc.

transpiration vapor created when plants and trees give off moisture

condensation tiny droplets of water formed when water vapor risesinto the air and cools

precipitation moisture released from clouds in the form of rain, snow,hail, etc.

percolation downward movement of water through the ground

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Exploration 2Searching Our Saltwater WetlandsWetland Activity: Floridas Magnificent

MangrovesDirections:You have learned that mangroves are important to us. Make a list of severaldetails about each type of mangrove. For example, you could begin by writingthe word tree under each type. Complete each list. Review your lists to identifycommon and unique features. Then fill in the blanks on the next page.

Red Mangrove White Mangrove Black Mangrove

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tree tree tree


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Common Features

Unique Features of a

Red MangroveUnique Features of a

White Mangrove

Unique Features of a

Black Mangrove

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Exploration 2Searching Our Saltwater Wetlands

Wetland Activity: The Wetlands Fabulous FoodChain

Directions:Living things do not exist in isolation in a wetland. They live in a community anddepend on others for survival. Each of the animals and plants in a wetland has aparticular job. They are all part of a food chain, which is made up of those whoproduce food and those who eat it. For an example of the food chain in action,look at the illustration below. A diving bird may eat a shrimp, which had eatensome algae.

pelican shrimp algae

heron

Here is another example of the food chain.

mussels plankton

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Now, create your own wetlands food chain byusing the previous examples. Then describe it to aclassmate.

Wetlands Food Chain

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Exploration 3Finding Out About Our

Freshwater WetlandsWetland Activity: Wetland Creatures

Directions:During this exploration, you learned that a variety of creatures live in freshwaterwetlands. Review the animals commonly found in the five different freshwaterwetlands described in your booklet. Then read the list of freshwater creatureslisted below. Classify each creature by circling the correct habitats. Beware! Onecreature doesnt belong in any of these wetlands.

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Freshwater Creature Wetland Habitats

alligators

river otters

whales

cypressswamp

hardwoodswamp

hydrichammock

freshwatermarsh

wetprairie

cypressswamp

hardwoodswamp

hydrichammock

freshwatermarsh

wetprairie

cypressswamp

hardwoodswamp

hydrichammock

freshwatermarsh

wetprairie

cypressswamp

hardwoodswamp

hydrichammock

freshwatermarsh

wetprairie

rabbits

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Freshwater Creature Wetland Habitats

bobcats

fish

cypressswamp

hardwoodswamp

hydrichammock

freshwatermarsh

wetprairie

cypressswamp

hardwoodswamp

hydrichammock

freshwatermarsh

wetprairie6

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What kinds of creatures would you expect to find in wetlands that are floodedmost of the year? Why?

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What kinds of creatures would you most likely find in wetlands that are rarelyflooded? Why?

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Exploration 3Finding Out About Our

Freshwater WetlandsWetland Activity: Meet Our Major Wetlands

Directions:In Florida, wetlands cover approximately 30 percent of the state. Many morewetlands existed before rapid development took place in many areas of the state.Look at the map of the major wetland areas in Florida. Draw an X to tell whereyou live. Then answer the questions on the next page.

1989 Wetlands


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1989 Wetlands

Do you live near any wetlands? _______________________________________

If so, explain why you think they are saltwater or freshwater wetlands.________________________________________________________________

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Wetlands Prior to 1900

Do you live near any wetlands that existed prior to 1900? __________________

If so, do you think they were saltwater or freshwater wetlands? Explain.

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Water(body of water)

Indoor/OutdoorCarpeting

(wetland)

Lasagna Pan orClear PlasticSweater Box

Clay(land)

Exploration 4Discovering What Wetlands Do

Wetland Activity: Building a WetlandThis is a fun and easy activity that you can do at home. Be sure to take notes onwhat you observe during the activity. You can use this activity to teach othersabout how wetlands function and how important it is to protect them.

Materials: shallow pan modeling clay strip of indoor/outdoor carpet,

3 inches wide by the width of the pan container of clear water container of water mixed with sand turkey baster

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Directions:

1. Spread a sloping layer of clay in the pan to represent land. Leave theother half of the pan empty to represent a body of water.

2. Use the turkey baster to pour clear water over the clay. This represents

rainfall. Observe the results. Then use the baster to drain the water fromthe pan back into a container.

3. Place the strip of carpet in the pan as shown in the illustration.

4. Repeat step 2. What was different? Record your results.

5. Remove strip of carpet from the pan.

6. This time, use the turkey baster to pour sandy water over the clay. Thisrepresents polluted water from soil erosion and storm water. Observe theresults. Then use the baster to drain the sandy water from the pan back intoa container.

7. Place the strip of carpet in pan as shown in the illustration.8. Repeat step 6. What was different? Record your results.

Summary:Write a paragraph that describes what you learned about wetlands from thisexperiment.

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Exploration 4Discovering What Wetlands Do

Wetland Activity: My Life in a WetlandDirections:Here is your chance to live in a wetland! Pretend that you are a wetland creatureand describe what a typical day might be like in either a saltwater or freshwaterwetland.

What kind of creature are you? _______________________________________

Do you live in a saltwater or freshwater wetland? _________________________

Describe a typical day for you in a healthy wetland environment.

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Now, describe what it is like to struggle through the day in an unhealthy wetland.

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Finally, describe where you would prefer to live and why.

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Exploration 5Becoming Protectors of Our

WetlandsWetland Activity: My Thoughts About Wetlands

Directions:Think about how important wetlands are to the quality of our lives in Florida.Then write a letter describing why it is important that we all work togetherto protect our natural resources. Include any suggestions you might have forkeeping our environment clean and healthy. Mail the letter to us and we willsend you a prize.

Wetlands Managerc/o Youth EducationCommunications DepartmentSouthwest Florida Water Management District2379 Broad StreetBrooksville, FL 34604-6899

Dear Wetlands Manager:

Sincerely,

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Exploration 5Becoming Protectors of Our

WetlandsWetland Activity: Reviewing Wetland Web Sites

Directions:Become a wetland web site reviewer! Visit a few of the web sites listed in yourbooklet. Then select a site and complete the following review.

Wetland Web Site Review

Name of web site:________________________________________________________________

Date of visit:________________________________________________________________

Directions: Circle one for each question.A= Excellent, B=Above Average, C=Average, D=Below Average

A B C D What overall grade would you give this site?A B C D Was the information presented in an interesting way?

A B C D Did you learn more about wetlands?

What did you like most about this site?

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What did you like least about this site?

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________________________________________________________________Would you recommend this site to a friend? ____________________________

Any additional comments?

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Correlation With Sunshine State StandardsThe following activities presented in the five stations ofExploring Our WonderfulWetlands have been correlated to the Sunshine State Standards.

Exploration 1: Wading Into Our WetlandsWetlands Wit Elementary School (35). Science: SC.D.1.2, SC.G.1.2; Language Arts: LA.A.1.2, LA.A.2.2; Social Studies: SS.B.2.2. Middle School (68). Science: SC.D.1.3, SC.G.1.3; Language Arts: LA.A.1.3, LA.A.2.3; Social Studies: SS.B.2.3.Writing About Wetlands

Elementary School (35). Science: SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2; Language Arts: LA.A.1.2, LA.A.2.2; Social Studies: SS.D.1.2. Middle School (68). Science: SC.G.1.3, SC.G.2.3; Language Arts: LA.A.1.3, LA.A.2.3; Social

Studies: SS.D.1.3.Wetland Activity: Wetlands Are Wonderful Elementary School (35). Science: SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2.

Middle School (68). Science: SC.G.1.3, SC.G.2.3.Wetland Activity: The Wetland Water Cycle Elementary School (35). Science: SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2; Language Arts: LA.A.2.2, LA.B.1.2,

LA.B.2.2; Social Studies: SS.B.2.2.Middle School (68). Science: SC.G.1.3, SC.G.2.3; Language Arts: LA.A.2.3, LA.B.1.3, LA.B.2.3;

Social Studies: SS.B.2.3.

Exploration 2: Searching Our Saltwater WetlandsWetlands Wit Elementary School (35). Science: SC.D.1.2, SC.G.1.2; SC.G.2.2; Language Arts: LA.A.1.2,

LA.A.2.2. Middle School (68). Science: SC.D.1.3, SC.G.1.3, SC.G.2.3; Language Arts: LA.A.1.3, LA.A.2.3.Writing About Wetlands

Elementary School (35). Science: SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2; Language Arts: LA.A.1.2, LA.A.2.2. Middle School (68). Science: SC.G.1.3, SC.G.2.3; Language Arts: LA.A.1.3, LA.A.2.3.Wetland Activity: Floridas Magnificent Mangroves Elementary School (35). Science: SC.G.1.2; Language Arts: LA.A.2.2. Middle School (68). Science: SC.G.1.3; Language Arts: LA.A.2.3.Wetland Activity: The Wetlands Fabulous Food Chain Elementary School (35). Science: SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2; Language Arts: LA.A.2.2. Middle School (68). Science: SC.G.1.3, SC.G.2.3; Language Arts: LA.A.2.3.

Exploration 3: Finding Out About Our Freshwater WetlandsWetlands Wit Elementary School (35). Science: SC.D.1.2, SC.G.1.2; Language Arts: LA.A.1.2, LA.A.2.2.

Middle School (68). Science: SC.D.1.3, SC.G.1.3; Language Arts: LA.A.1.3, LA.A.2.3.Writing About Wetlands

Elementary School (35). Science: SC.D.1.2, SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2; Language Arts: LA.A.1.2,LA.A.2.2, LA.B.1.2, LA.B.2.2.

Middle School (68). Science: SC.D.1.3, SC.G.1.3, SC.G.2.3; Language Arts: LA.A.1.3, LA.A.2.3.LA.B.1.3, LA.B.2.3.

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Wetland Activity: Wetland CreaturesElementary School (35). Science: SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2; Language Arts: LA.A.1.2, LA.A.2.2,LA.B.1.2, LA.B.2.2.

Middle School (68). Science: SC.G.1.3, SC.G.2.3; Language Arts: LA.A.1.3, LA.A.2.3, LA.B.1.3,LA.B.2.3.

Wetland Activity: Meet Our Major WetlandsElementary School (35). Language Arts: LA.A.2.2; Social Studies: SS.B.1.2.Middle School (68). Language Arts: LA.A.2.3; Social Studies: SS.B.1.3.

Exploration 4: Discovering What Wetlands DoWetlands Wit Elementary School (35). Science: SC.D.1.2, SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2; Language Arts: LA.A.1.2,

LA.A.2.2. Middle School (68). Science: SC.D.1.3, SC.G.1.3, SC.G.2.3; Language Arts: LA.A.1.3, LA.A.2.3.Writing About Wetlands

Elementary School (35). Science: SC.D.1.2, SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2; Language Arts: LA.A.1.2,LA.A.2.2, LA.B.1.2, LA.B.2.2.

Middle School (68). Science: SC.D.1.3, SC.G.1.3, SC.G.2.3; Language Arts: LA.A.1.3, LA.A.2.3,

LA.B.1.3, LA.B.2.3.Center Spread: Wetland Metaphors

Elementary School (35). Language Arts: LA.B.2.2, LA.D.2.2. Middle School (68). Language Arts: LA.B.2.3, LA.D.2.3.Wetland Activity: Building a Wetland

Elementary School (35). Science: SC.D.2.2, SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2; Language Arts: LA.A.2.2; Visual Arts: VA.A.1.2. Middle School (68). Science: SC.D.2.3, SC.G.1.3, SC.G.2.3; Language Arts: LA.A.2.3; Visual

Arts: VA.A.1.3.Wetland Activity: My Life in a Wetland

Elementary School (35). Science: SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2; Language Arts: LA.B.1.2, LA.B.2.2.Middle School (68). Science: SC.G.1.3, SC.G.2.3; Language Arts: LA.B.1.3, LA.B.2.3.

Exploration 5: Becoming Protectors of Our WetlandsWetlands Wit Elementary School (35). Science: SC.D.2.2, SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2; Language Arts: LA.A.1.2. Middle School (68). Science: SC.D.2.3, SC.G.1.3, SC.G.2.3; Language Arts: LA.A.1.3.Writing About Wetlands

Elementary School (35). Science: SC.D.2.2, SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2; Language Arts: LA.A.1.2,LA.A.2.2. LA.B.1.2, LA.B.2.2; Social Studies: SS.B.2.2.

Middle School (68). Science: SC.D.2.3, SC.G.1.3, SC.G.2.3; Language Arts: LA.A.1.3, LA.A.2.3,LA.B.1.3, LA.B.2.3; Social Studies: SS.B.2.3.

Wetland Activity: My Thoughts About Wetlands Elementary School (35). Science: SC.D.2.2, SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2; Language Arts: LA.A.2.2,

LA.B.1.2, LA.B.2.2; Social Studies: SS.B.2.2.

Middle School (68). Science: SC.D.2.3, SC.G.1.3, SC.G.2.3; Language Arts: LA.A.2.3, LA.B.1.3,LA.B.2.3; Social Studies: SS.B.2.3.Wetland Activity: Reviewing Wetland Web Sites Elementary School (35). Science: SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2; Language Arts: LA.A.2.2, LA.B.1.2,

LA.B.2.2.Middle School (68). Science: SC.G.1.3, SC.G.2.3; Language Arts: LA.A.2.3, LA.B.1.3, LA.B.2.3.

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1. What is a wetland?

a. an area that is flooded or has saturated soils for certain periods of timeduring the year

b. an area that has unique soils that are different from soils found in otherareas

c. an area that contains special plants and trees that are commonly found inwetland areas and thrive in waterlogged soil or water

d. all of the above2. What are the two main categories of wetlands?

a. cypress swamps and hardwood swampsb. saltwater wetlands and freshwater wetlandsc. coastal marshes and forested wetlandsd. mangrove swamps and freshwater wetlands

3. Wetlands provide habitats for a variety of plants and animals.What is a habitat?

a. hydric soilb. waterfowlc. natural homed. species

4. Which one below is NOT an example of a freshwater body of water?

a. coastal saltwater marshb. wet prairiec. freshwater marshd. cypress swamp

5. How are the general features of a swamp and a marsh different?

a. a marsh has trees and a swamp has grassesb. a swamp is always dry and a marsh is always wetc. a swamp has trees and a marsh has grassesd. only the marsh provides habitats for wildlife

Wetlands ChallengeDirections:This is your opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned about wetlands.

It is also an opportunity for you to practice answering questions similar to thosefound on the FCAT. Do your best and meet the challenge!

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6. Which statement is TRUE about our valuable wetland resources?

a. Most wetland loss in Florida occurred before the 1970s.b. We have more wetlands now than we had 100 years ago.c. People are now more aware of the value of wetlands.

d. both a and c

7. Which one below does NOT belong in a list of characteristics about awetland?

a. It acts as a big sponge.b. It causes flooding in nearby areas.c. It helps to clean and purify water.d. It is a natural area that holds water.

8. Choose the BEST reason for protecting the health and well-being ofour wetlands.

a. so that wetlands will continue to existb. so that the quality of water can decreasec. so that the number of wetlands can be reducedd. so that fewer plants and animals will exist

9. Wetlands help our environment in many ways. Which one below doesNOT belong in the list?

a. Wetlands help serve as nursery areas.b. Wetlands help protect us from floods.c. Wetlands help erode our coastlines.

d. Wetlands help store water.

10. The future of our wetlands depends on all of us working together.How can citizens get involved?

a. by volunteering their time on environmental projectsb. by writing a letter to government officials about wetlandsc. by learning more about wetlands and teaching others about themd. all of the above


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Wetlands used to be thought of as wasted areas. Fortunately, peoplehave changed their opinion about them. Describe how you think yourgrandparents viewed wetlands when they were your age. Thendescribe how people view them today. What changed their opinionabout wetlands?

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List several ways your friends and neighbors could help protectwetland areas near your home. Support your answer with details andinformation you learned from Exploring Our Wonderful Wetlands.

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1

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READ

THINK

EXPLAIN

READ

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Answer Key for Wetland Activities(Pages 1719 of student booklet)

C R O S S W O R D

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Wetlands Challenge (Pages 2426 of this guide)

Items included in the Wetlands Challenge are similar to those presented on theFlorida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).

Answers to multiple-choice items:1-d, 2-b, 3-c, 4-a, 5-c, 6-d, 7-b, 8-a, 9-c, 10-d

Answers to extended-response items:

Question 1. Responses will vary. Students should be able todemonstrate an understanding of how the views regardingwetlands have changed over the years.

Score 2 points if. . . The response indicates that the student has a thoroughunderstanding of how the views regarding wetlands have

changed over the years. Score 1 point if. . . The response indicates that the student has a partial

understanding of how the views regarding wetlands havechanged over the years.

Score 0 points if. . . The response is inaccurate, confused or irrelevant.

Question 2. Responses will vary. Students should be able to assimilateinformation about protecting wetlands.

Score 2 points if. . . The response indicates that the student was able tocorrectly assimilate information about protectingwetlands.

Score 1 point if. . . The response indicates that the student was able topartially assimilate information about protecting wetlands.

Score 0 points if. . . The response is inaccurate, confused or irrelevant.


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continued on next page 29

Visiting Our Area WetlandsThere are many wetland areas located within the boundaries of the SouthwestFlorida Water Management District. The following places of interest are listed inalphabetical order by county within the SWFWMD. You may want to contact theseplaces for further information about visiting particular wetlands in your area.

Charlotte County

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center10941 Burnt Store Rd.Punta Gorda, FL 33955(941) 575-5495

Citrus County

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge1502 S.E. Kings Bay Dr.Crystal River, FL 34429(352) 563-2088

Citrus County Parks and Recreation1410 S. Lecanto Hwy.Lecanto, FL 34461(352) 527-7677

Wetlands ResourcesIn addition to visiting the web sites listed in the booklet, the following is a list ofresources about wetlands.

Eckhardt Slattery, B. Wow! The Wonders of Wetlands.St. Michaels, MD: Environmental Concern, Inc., 1995.

Fernald, E. and E. Purdum. Water Resources Atlas of Florida.Tallahassee: Institute of Science and Public Affairs, 1998.

Finlayson, M. and M. Moser. Wetlands. New York: Facts on File Limited, 1991.

Goldman, L. Cleaning Up Our Water. Chicago: Childrens Press, 1994.

Hickman, P. Wetlands. Toronto: Kids Can Press, 1993.

Hirschi, R. Save Our Wetlands. New York: Delacorte Press, 1994.

Liptak, K. Saving Our Wetlands and Their Wildlife. New York: Franklin Watts, 1991.

Lisowski, M. and R. Williams. Wetlands. New York: Franklin Watts, 1997.

Llamas, A. Vegetation of Rivers, Lakes and Swamps.New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1995.

McCormick, A. Vanishing Wetlands. San Diego: Lucent Books, 1995.

McLeish, E. Wetlands. New York: Thomson Learning, 1996.

Myers, R. and J. Ewel. Ecosystems of Florida.Gainesville: University of Central Florida Press, 1990.

Splash! Water Resources Education.Brooksville: Southwest Florida Water Management District, 1997.

Crystal River Preserve State Park3266 N. Sailboat Ave.Crystal River, FL 34428(352) 563-0450

Fort Cooper State Park3100 S. Old Floral City Rd.

Inverness, FL 34450(352) 726-0315

Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park4150 S. Suncoast Blvd.Homosassa, FL 34446(352) 628-5343


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DeSoto County

Brownville Park1885 N.E. Brownville St.(6 miles north of Arcadia on Hwy. 17)

Arcadia, FL 34266(863) 491-5333

Morgan Park1100 W. Hickory St.(Just east of the Peace River bridge on Hwy. 70)Arcadia, FL 34266-3363(863) 993-4854

Hardee County

Paynes Creek Historic State Park888 Lake Branch Rd.

Bowling Green, FL 33834(863) 375-4717

Hernando County

Withlacoochee State Forest(Recreation/Visitors Center)

15003 Broad St.Brooksville, FL 34601(352) 754-6896

Highlands County

Highlands Hammock State Park5931 Hammock Rd.Sebring, FL 33872(863) 386-6094

Hillsborough County

Aldermans Ford9625 Canoe Launch LoopLithia, FL 33547(813) 757-3801

E. G. Simmons Park

2401 19th Ave. N.W.Ruskin, FL 33570(813) 671-7655

Flatwoods Park14302 Morris Bridge Rd.Thonotosassa, FL 33592(813) 987-6211

Hillsborough River State Park15402 U.S. 301 N.Thonotosassa, FL 33592(813) 987-6771

Lettuce Lake Park

6920 E. Fletcher Ave.Tampa, FL 33637(813) 987-6204

Lithia Springs Park3932 Lithia Springs Rd.Lithia, FL 33547(813) 744-5572

Little Manatee River State Park215 Lightfoot Rd.Wimauma, FL 33598(813) 671-5005

Upper Tampa Bay Park8001 Double Branch Rd.Tampa, FL 33635(813) 855-1765

Manatee County

DeSoto National Memorial Park3000 75th St. N.W.Bradenton, FL 34209(941) 792-0458

Lake Manatee State Park

20007 Hwy. 64 E.Bradenton, FL 34202(941) 741-3028

Manatee County Parks and Recreation5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W.Bradenton, FL 34209(941) 742-5923

Marion County

K. P. Hole County Park9435 S.W. 190th Ave.

Dunnellon, FL 34432(352) 489-3055

Rainbow Springs State Park19158 S.W. 81stPlace Rd.Dunnellon, FL 34432(352) 465-8555


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Weedon Island Preserve1500 Weedon Island Dr.St. Petersburg, FL 33720(727) 217-7208

Polk County

Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation CommissionTeneroc State Reserve3829 Teneroc Mine Rd.Lakeland, FL 33805(863) 499-2422

Lake Kissimmee State Park14248 Camp Mack Rd.Lake Wales, FL 33853(863) 696-1112

Lake Wales Ridge Park452 School Bus Rd.Frostproof, FL 33843(941) 635-7801

Saddle Creek ParkPolk County Parks and Recreation3716 Morgan Combee Rd.Lakeland, FL 33801(863) 499-2613

Sarasota County

Myakka River Historic State Park13207 S.R. 72Sarasota, FL 34241(941) 361-6511

Oscar Scherer State Park1843 S. Tamiami TrailOsprey, FL 34229(941) 483-5956

Sumter County

Half-Moon Wildlife Management Area(travel west on S.R. 44 from Wildwood;before crossing the Withlacoochee River,turn north on C.R. 247)(352) 732-1225

Pasco County

Crews Lake Park16739 Crews Lake Dr.Shady Hills, FL 34610

(727) 861-3038Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

10500 Wilderness Park Rd.New Port Richey, FL 34655(727) 834-3247

Withlacoochee River Park12449 Withlacoochee Blvd.Dade City, FL 33523(352) 567-0264

Pinellas County

Anderson Park39699 U.S. Hwy. 19 N.Tarpon Springs, FL 34689(727) 943-4085

Boyd Hill Nature Park1101 Country Club Way S.St. Petersburg, FL 33705(727) 893-7326

Brooker Creek Preserve3940 Keystone Rd.Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

(727) 453-6959Fort DeSoto Park3500 Pinellas Bayway S.Tierra Verde, FL 33715(727) 582-2267

George C. McGough Nature Park 11901 146th St. N.Largo, FL 33774(727) 518-3047

Honeymoon Island#1 Causeway Blvd.

Dunedin, FL 34698(727) 469-5942

Sawgrass Lake Park7400 25th St. N.St. Petersburg, FL 33702(727) 217-7256


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Exploring Our Wonderful Wetlands

About YouDirections: Check one or more for each question.

What grade level(s) do you teach? 3 4 5 6 7 8

What subject(s) do you teach? Science Language Arts Social Studies Math

Approximately how much time did you spend using the booklet and teachers guide with your students? less than 2 hours 2 hours 4 hours 6 hours 8 hours more than 8 hours

About the Student BookletDirections: Circle one for each question.A= Excellent, B=Above Average, C=Average, D=Below Average

A B C D How would you rate the overall quality of the booklet?A B C D Did the content (graphics, text and layout) appeal to your students?A B C D Was the reading level appropriate for your students?A B C D Were the Wetlands Wit questions in the booklet useful?A B C D How would you rate the Writing About Wetlands writing prompts?

About the Teachers Guide

Directions: Circle one for each question.A= Excellent, B=Above Average, C=Average, D=Below Average

A B C D How would you rate the overall quality of the teachers guide?A B C D How would you rate the Wetland Activities?A B C D How did your students perform on the Wetlands Challenge?A B C D Were the list of wetlands resources useful?A B C D Did you use the correlation with the Sunshine State Standards?

Do you have suggestions or comments about the student booklet or teachers guide?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Exploring Our Wonderful Wetlands includes a student booklet, a teachersguide and a set of full-color activity cards. To order more copies of this

set or other free water resources education materials, visit our web site atWaterMatters.org/publications or call 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4757.

To ensure that we can continuously provide you witheffective water resources education materials for yourclassroom, we need to hear from you! Your feedbackis very important to us. Please take a few moments toanswer the following questions aboutExploring Our

Wonderful Wetlands booklet and teachers guide. Pleasemail or fax us your survey as soon as possible. Thankyou for your assistance.

Fax: (352) 754-6883Youth EducationCommunications DepartmentSouthwest Florida Water Management District

2379 Broad StreetBrooksville, FL 34604-6899

VISAY0051 12-07

exploring our wonderful wetlands: teacher’s guide

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