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Wetland Metaphors

Elementary

Description

This hands-on activity is designed to help young students understand the importance of wetland ecosystems.  Specific wetland functions are represented by a collection of common household items.  For example a sponge is used to illustrate the ability of a wetland to prevent floods.  Through the application of a variety of similar metaphors, students visualize in concrete terms how wetlands function and why we need to protect them.

Students will:

  • discuss the importance of wetlands
  • learn what a mataphor is
  • Take turns removing items from a Mystery Metaphor Container
  • Explain the relationship between the item and a wetland
  • Explore their attitudes towards wetlands.

It is recommended that this activity be used in conjunction with a  field trip to a local wetland.

In this fun-filled activity, students learn to appreciate the many important contributions made by our wetlands.  Using common household objects as symbols or metaphors for different wetland functions, teams of student compete in a relay-style race that requires their ability to match function to symbol.

This activity is designed in such away that it can be enjoyed indoors or out.

This activity provides a fun-filled way to introduce students to the important contributions made by our wetlands.  

Teachers use common household objects to illustrate some of the important contributions these ecosystems perform.  Following the demonstration & discussion, teams of students compete in a relay-style race that tests their ability to connect function to symbol.

General Assessment

Strengths

  • The lesson has great potential for integrating poetry and art. 
  • The use of the metaphor to compare the wetland functions to everyday objects is a unique and engaging approach.
  • Good background information is provided. 

Relevant Curriculum Units

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Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (5)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Biodiversity
  • Endangered Species
  • Habitat Loss
  • Wildlife Protection

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