Who Knew They Did So Much

Objective: Students will be able to identify at least five important functions wetlands play in
maintaining our environment.

Materials: Wetland Mystery Grab Bag: sponge, pillow, baby bottle, strainer, soap, rechargeable
battery, bottle of antacid; grab bag function worksheet

Background: The old view of wetlands as useless wasteland couldn't be further from the truth.
In actuality, these areas fulfill many ecological processes which are invaluable to humans.
Flood and erosion control, groundwater recharge, water purification, and an endless list of
benefits occur continuously. These processes, unseen and often unrealized, are similar to the
quiet acts of a Good Samaritan - seldom noticed or appreciated.

Wetland Functions:
1) Flood and erosion control - water is retained in wetlands and slowly released to rivers and
streams. By slowing down this release, flooding and downstream bank erosion are decreased.
2) Groundwater recharge - as water is retained in wetlands, it is allowed to seep into the
ground and recharge aquifers.
3) Water purification - wetlands help process chemicals, organic wastes and pollutants, and
filters out suspended silt and debris from water.
4) Wildlife nursery - wetlands provide necessary requirements for the rearing of a multitude of
animal life.
5) Wildlife habitat - wetlands sustain a wealth of animal and plant life and provide a resting
place for migrating birds.

Procedure:
Divide the class into small groups: seven total groups will be needed.

Bring out the Mystery Grab bag. Explain to students that everything in the bag has something to
do with a wetland. Have one student from each group draw an object from the bag.

Students must now figure out what function their object does in the wetlands. Groups must
discuss what all the possibilities are for their object. Please note: there may be more than one
function for any given object.

Ask each group to report their ideas to the class.

Extensions:
Divide class into small groups and have each group construct a wetlands model (see WOW, the
Wonders of Wetlands, Wetlands in the Classroom, page 80 for explicit instructions)

Create a wetland plant collection in your classroom as a resource for future wetland activities.
You may want to construct or purchase a small plant press for use in preserving samples.

Collect a small amount of leaves from several wetlands plants during a field trip. Discuss with
class what types of plants and leaves each sample offers. Give each student one sample leaf.
Have student attach (tape or glue) their sample to an inexpensive pin-button. Student should
write the name of their sample underneath the leaf. Use clear Contact paper to cover badge.
With remaining samples, class can construct a poster for classroom display of the plants from
which each leaf derives.

Have students enter the Junior Ducks Stamp Program. Information on entries can be obtained
from your local Game, Fish and Parks or US Fish and Wildlife office.

Vocabulary Glossary:
Aquifer: Underground rock caverns that collect and hold groundwater
Erosion: The wearing away of the earth's surface by running water, wind, ice, or other geological
agents; processes, including weathering, dissolution, abrasion, corrosion, and transportation, by
which material is removed from the earth's surface
Groundwater: Water which has been carried by gravity to the lowest possible point, usually held
in aquifers
Nutrients: Organic particles used as food by plants and animals
Recharge: Replenish a water body or an aquifer with water
Runoff: Water that flows across surfaces rather than soaking in