The activities in this packet are designed primarily for students in grades 4-6, though most are adaptable to older age groups at the discretion of the teacher. They address a spectrum of freshwater research efforts ranging from the methods used in collecting samples to ecosystem-level studies. An important aspect of these activities is involvement of students and ease of use by teachers. Each activity can be as basic or detailed as the teacher wishes. Each can be used as a stand-alone activity or be presented as part of a sequence.
Materials are generally inexpensive and easy to find.
All activities presented are intended as educational resources for use with existing curricula or to be used by teachers in developing new ones. It is our hope that they will give students a greater understanding and appreciation of freshwater systems as plant and animal habitat.