Aquatic Ecology
__Curriculum Theme__________
Aquatic Ecology
Outdoor Education Curriculum
Students will examine how all things in aquatic ecosystems are connected. Through chemical, biological, and physical water testing, students are introduced to the aquatic environment. Students will search for aquatic macroinvertebrates, measure the rate at which a stream flows, and test for chemical levels in the water. Students will think critically about how their findings are indicators of environmental health, and discuss how humans impact those factors.
Program standards
NGSS-5-LS2-1, NGSS-MS-LS2-3, NGSS-HS-LS2-6
Exploration
Students explore aquatic ecology through sensory-based activities, engaging games, and inquiry-based learning. Groups can prioritize one of the following topics, which will provide a lens through which to view aquatic ecology through specific, standards-based activities.
Adaptations
Aquatic organisms have unique traits that help them survive and reproduce in their environment.
Water Quality & Human Impacts
There are many indicators of environmental health that we can monitor in the aquatic ecosystem, and how increased human population and resource consumption impacts the water quality in Colorado.