Students observe seasonal changes, growth, how water affects the physical and biological features of a watershed, and other changes that occur over time in their adopted watershed. Students record the height and breadth of their planted trees, make observations of the study site, and record this data for comparison with data that will be collected in future years. In succeeding years additional, more complex data appropriate to student age level will be added. Their trees provide a direct link between the students, the classroom, and the watershed. A sense of stewardship is developed in the students when they learn how their positive actions effect change for a healthier environment.
Students begin to identify the components of a watershed and the flow of water.
They build models to increase their understanding of how watersheds are formed and how they change over time. In these lessons students will begin to see how water is an important element of change in the watershed. They will categorize and compare the two types, then create picture booklets of what they discover. Lesson 4, My Buddy and Me , is optional. In this lesson students are paired up with buddies.