Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Freshwater Marsh Investigations

Lesson Plan 1:

Set the stage for this investigation by reviewing quickly what will take place in the allotted time. For

example, In this investigation, we will develop some skills in collecting and interpreting data about the

freshwater environment. We will then apply these data in discussing the role of water in the environment

and our society.

Activity 1: Observing the Wetland Environment

As you approach the water, observe and record your observations.

Plants Animals

Evidence of Animals Air

Water Other
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Activity 2: Collecting and Observing Aquatic Life

Discussion:

What are some factors that affect the lives of animals in water? What animals would you find

in the freshwater but not in the saltwater (e.g. beaver, frogs, painted turtles) because they can

not tolerate salt.

What are some guidelines that we need to consider in collecting aquatic life so our investigation will cause the least impact on the environment?

There are 10 nets and jars and a white bottomed pan. Depending on the size of your group, divide into teams

of 2-5 students. Each team will share one aquatic net and jar. Keep the skirt on the outside of the white nets

to protect netting. Fill the jar halfway with water. From the bank, dip for animals. Run your hand through the

marsh mud and plants to find any small organisms. Collect as many types of aquatic animals as possible, and

place them in the jar. Place plants and mud back into water; do not leave them in piles on the bank. Try to

identify the organisms using keys and guides provided, and list your plants and animals on the chart below. If

time allows, students may wish to sketch their animals. When finished, have teams place animals in white

bottomed pans for observation by the group. Return all specimens to the water when through.

CHART

C ? ommon Name H t ow Many Describe where you found i
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Activity 3:

Predicting Water Characteristics from Aquatic Animals Found

Background Information:

pH - The percentage of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solutioin is called the pH. A solution is more acidic

when it contains more hydrogen ions. The level of acidity of the water in wetlands is important to the plant

and animal life there. Most animals are adapted to living in neutral (neither acidic nor basic) conditions.

Changes in pH endanger the lives of young animals in particular.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) - DO is vital to the health of aquatic habitats, since plants and animals need

oxygen to survive and for metabolism.. A low amount of oxygen in the water is a sign that the habitat is

stressed. Oxygen is mixed in the water from the air above, with the help of rain, wind, waves, and currents.

Faster moving water contains more DO because it has more contact with the air than still water. Underwater

plants and algae also contribute oxygen that is given off during the process of photosynthesis. DO is affected

by the weather, temperature and salinity. Cold, fresh water holds more oxygen than warm or salty water.

Temperature - Most creatures living in water are cold-blooded, so their body temperatures and metabolism and growth rates are determined (and limited) by surrounding water temperature. Dissolved Oxygen

(DO), necessary for the survival of aquatic life, is also dependent upon temperature. Cold water can hold

more DO than warm water.

Distribute Activity Sheet. On the basis of the aquatic animals you found, and the Table 1, predict the pH,

temperature, and dissolved oxygen (DO) count.

Activity Chart: Our group predicts:

On the basis of the aquatic animals you found, the information in the Aquatic Data section below, and your

observations, predict the following characteristics of the pond.

We predict that based on _________________________________________________________________

pH will be ____________________________________________________________________________

Dissolved Oxygen count will be ___________________________________________________________

Water temperature will be ________________________________________________________________

The color of the water is _________________________________________________________________

Keep these predicitions for future use.
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

pH Ranges that Support Aquatic Life

Most Acid Neutral Most Alkaline

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Bacteria 1.0 13

Plants (algae, rooted, etc.) 6.5 12

Carp, catfish, some insects 6 9

Sunfish 6.5 8.5

Snails, Clams 7 9

Largest variety of animals

 mayfly, dragonfly nymph 6.5 7.5

The pH Scale

|||||||||||||||

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Vinegar

Apples

Coca-Cola

Normal

Rain Baking

Soda

Ammonia

Lye

<---------------------------> ACIDIC -----------------------------> NEUTRAL <----------------- ALKALINE/BASIC------------------------------------->

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Oceans

Great Lakes

Acid Rain

Fish Death

Inability to Spawn

Maximum Lake Productivity

Milk of

Milk Magnesia

Table 1:

Safe For Fish Survival
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Table 2:

Dissolved Oxygen Requirements for Native Fish and other Aquatic Life

Examples of Life Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in parts per million (ppm)

Cold-water organisms, including salmon and trout

(below 68 degrees F.)

Spawning, growth, and well-being.

Caddisfly, mayfly, stonefly.

6 ppm and above

Warm-water organisms (including fish such as catfish,

carp, some mayfly and dragonfly larvae above 68

degrees F.)

5 ppm and above

Some estuarine fish populations (such as weakfish)

require minimum DO levels for larvae to hatch and

survive.

Growth and well-being.

4 ppm minimum

Lethal level of DO for most fish. 2 ppm and below

Table 3:

Approximate Temperature Ranges Required for Certain Organisms

E ) xamples of Life Temperature (Fahrenheit

Much plant life, sunfish, bluegills, carp, catfish,

dragonflies, frogs. Warm water (greater than 68 degrees F)

Some plant life, sunfish, beetles, tadpoles, frogs. Middle range (55 - 68 degrees F)

Snails, clams Cold water (less than 55 degrees F)

Activity 4:

Conducting Water Quality Tests

Use the water test kits provided to determine dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature of the water and compare

your findings with your predictioins. In collecting a water sample for the dissolved oxygen test, pick an area

that has not been disturbed by dipping. Dipping for aquatic animals stirs up the water and adds oxygen.

Actual DO: ________ Actual pH: __________ Temperature: __________
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Freshwater Pond Key

Northern water snake Bullfrog Green frog

Painted turtle Snapping turtle Tadpoles -

toad

bullfrog

green frog

Eastern Mudminnow Brown Bullhead Bluegill

Pumkinseed American eel Heron Egret

Yellow pond lily Cattail Hornwort

Pickerel weed Arrow arum Arrowhead