Grant Type 4: Freshwater Resources Field Study Program

1. Summary

Students will complete a unit on fresh waterways and the native life that lives there. They will complete computer research, make observations and collect data, graph data collected, and complete a STEAM project on the natural filtration systems in Florida, mainly focusing on swamplands.

They will then compete the Myakka Mysteries field trip. At the Myakka River State Park, students will explore the Myakka River and the surrounding wetlands, prairies, hammocks and marsh communities. Participants investigate the forest canopy on a nature hike, discuss impacts of invasive species and collect citizen science data on water quality and bird diversity. The collected data is uploaded to an online database and smartphone application to engage students in STEM learning.

2. Activities

Students will begin by building simple water filtration systems with two liter bottles. Each bottle will use a different substrate to filter water. Students will compare and graph the amount of debris after water is run through each substrate. They will collect data and use this data in their final project research.

Students will continue learning about our freshwater systems in the Science Fusion book. Students will begin to brainstorm ideas for their research projects and collect data. They will explore how waterways move by observing water flow through traditional Florida waterway substrates over time.

All 43 students will attend the Myakka Mysteries field trip through Nature’s Academy. This will give students a hands-on experience exploring freshwater passages close to home. This will also give students the opportunity to complete first-hand research on what types of native vegetation and native animals they see in and around Florida’s fresh waterways.

To finalize the unit, students will complete a research project to show understanding. They will recreate Florida’s wetland waterways and the natural drainage and filtration systems. They will submit this model as small groups and a research paper for each individual student. During this project, students will apply what they have learned before and on this field trip to create the most accurate model possible. The final model will be displayed for all of the families in our school to see. Students will have a chance to educate other people at our school community about the importance of waterway conservation.

3. Project Message

We would notify our school community through our school website and through our school newsletter that goes home weekly.

Students will be required to complete a research project on Florida’s fresh waterways and it’s natural drainage and filtration systems.

During Language Arts, students will complete research and collect data. In science, they will design and create three-tiered miniature models of Florida’s wetlands system using three roasting pans and other provided supplies. They will collect data on water quality using water testing strips on swamp water they filter through their models. Then in Mathematics, students will create graphs of the data that they have collected.

Students will work together to compare the data each group found. They will then combine the information they learned to create a working model of the Florida wetlands drainage system as a class. This model will be displayed where families can see it when they come to visit our school. It will also be displayed at other school events throughout the year to raise awareness for protecting Florida’s waterways and natural vegetation.

4. Stem Connection

To begin the unit on Florida’s freshwater ways, students will take a virtual tour of Florida’s watershed at https://walkingonwaterfl.org/virtual-tour/.

Then students will complete research on aquifers and the naturally occurring filtration systems that the water goes through to get there. They will also use a map of Florida’s watershed. After researching and collecting data on what types of substrates are found, students will then create a simple water filtration experiment for each substrate to determine which substrate has the most impact on water filtration.

For hands-on experience in this unit, students will attend the Nature’s Academy Myakka Mysteries field trip. This will give students the chance to experience first-hand what goes into nature’s filtration systems. Students will also gather information about native vegetation and wildlife in wetland areas.

With the information and data collected by the students, they will then complete a three-tiered model of Florida’s fresh water filtration systems. They will use the materials provided by this grant. They will also assemble a data log and written presentation to present with their model. Once they have completed their research projects, students will present the information to our school community.

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