They follow the course of a raindrop from its point of impact on the watershed to the exit point as it flows into the ocean. Students explore the food chain, including the driving forces of the sun, soil, water, and air. They are given a pond guide and additional materials which show them the specific plants and animals that exist, where they may be found, and what they need to survive in wetland ecosystems. Students sample water for flora and fauna and describe the differences of their findings with respect to the source. They relate their field experiences with what they've learned iil the classroom.
Experiments illustrate how an aquifer supplies water to wells and reservoirs.
The session also emphasizes the interconnection between wetlands, groundwater, and surface water. This is accomplished with an activity where students trace items back to their soil origin. Students realize in follow-up discussions that most of the materials around them originate from the soil. Soil formation and horizonation are also discussed in this session. Visitors from local Indian tribes and historical societies provide the students with different perspectives of how human presence has influenced the landscape, and how water resources have influenced human activities.