Grade Level: 5th through 12th
Subject: Science
Duration: 45 Minutes
Materials: Dip nets, seine net (optional), 5-gallon buckets, flat 6” high containers
Florida Sunshine State Standards: SC.A.1.1, SC.B.1.6, SC.D.1.2, SC.D.2.1, SC.F.1.1, SC.F.1.2, SC.F.1.3, SC.F.1.4, SC.F.2.1, SC.F.2.2, SC.G.1.2, SC.G.1.4, SC.G.2.1, SC.G.2.2, SC.H.1.1, SC.H.1.2, SC.H.3.2
Overview: Students enter the water and skim the grass flats for small fish and crustaceans. Specimens are collected in buckets for observation and release.
Objectives: Students will understand that the estuary is the “nursery of the sea”, where many creatures begin their life cycles. Students will understand that wildlife comes in a variety of forms – small to large. Students will learn about non-point source pollution and how it affects sea grass production. Students are responsible for their actions affecting this wildlife.
Background: An ecosystem is a community of different species interacting with each other and with the chemical and physical factors making up its non-living environment. It is a system of inter-relationships among organisms, and between organisms and the physical environment.
In water bodies the presence or absence of certain organisms, called indicator species, reveals much about water quality. These creatures comprise a biotic index, or number of living organisms found in an ecosystem. The absence or presence of these organisms is an indicator of water quality.
Environments with numerous marine species are usually healthy, whereas environments with just a few different species or many of one species and few of others usually indicates conditions that are less than healthy. The word healthy is used to indicate an environment supportive of life. Pollution generally reduces the quality of the environment, and in turn the diversity of life forms.
The quality of water can change as it flows over the land. These changes in water quality may be due to natural factors or human activities. When water is degraded to a point that affects its use for a particular purpose, it has become polluted. Water pollution originates from two very different sources: point sources and non-point sources. Point source pollution comes from a discrete source such as a pipe, ditch or wastewater treatment plant. Non-point source means that the pollution comes from a broad area, such as a large field that has been covered with
fertilizer or pesticides. Excessive application of fertilizer or pesticides on lawns and gardens (such as various “chem.-lawn” companies promote) can create non-point sources. People who use fertilizers and pesticides must read labels to ensure that they are applying the materials properly.
