All about Watershed. Curriculum Units by Grade Level

Grade Unit Title Concept Field Study Sample Restoration Project Sample Community Action
K
 What is a Watershed? The earth contains objects which are observably different and that change. Tree Height and diameter/succession study Tree planting Field trip booklet for family and community and children explain to family what a watershed is.
Creature Features Living and non-living things have observable characteristics Butterflies of watershed Plant native flower seeds that butterflies use; i.e. milkweed. Building a butterfly garden on the school grounds.
1
 An Apartment in the Woods There is great diversity in living things and their habitats Mast production study Acorn planting or habitat enhancement Mural or puppet show depicting living things that depend on trees
Significance of Soil Different forces reshape the earth Soil erosion study Erosion control Significance of Soil brochure
2
 Trees Living things have characteristics and structures enabling them to live and interact in different environments Tree height and diameter/succession study and/or trees changing color and budding out Growing and planting willows "Build a Tree" mural displayed for community at open house, science fair or watershed fair
Animals Same as for Tree Unit with an emphasis on animals Deer population study   "Animals of Our Watershed" display-open house, science fair or watershed fair
3
 The Streamside Community Same as for Population Unit with an emphasis on plants as indicator species Amphibian study Riparian ecosystem restoration Display of leaves and seeds from indicator plant species found in a riparian ecosystem
4
 Landforms and Geology Natural forces are at work causing the earth to change Soil erosion study Erosion control Share watershed relief map and aerial photos at open house, science fair or watershed fair
Wade into Watersheds Organisms successfully adapted to their environment are more likely to live and pass on their traits. Matter has specific properties and can be changed. Water quality monitoring including aquatic insect population study, stream temperature, photo station and stream flow. Student/Community generated action project to help restore water quality. Media day or open house to share action projects.
5
 Plants Solve Problems of Survival Through their structures and functions, organisms solve problems of survival (emphasis on plants) Hula hoop plant survey Growing and planting native plants Slide presentation completed on how to rehabilitate disturbed areas with native plants
Birds: Adaptations and Variations Same as for plant unit with emphasis on birds Oak woodland bird census and amphibian study Bird habitat enhancement Adopt an Endangered Species using guidelines in California Endangered Species Resource Guide or write a brochure on caring for wildlife in your watershed
6
 Forest Ecosystem Living things interact with their environment forming interdependent systems, which transmit energy through different networks Tree height and diameter/succession study Put an old road to bed Plan a tree celebration day in conjunction with Arbor Day
Sustainable Society: What Is It? What Was It? Same as Forest Ecosystem Unit with an emphasis on human interaction with the environment throughout history Diversity index and changes in resource use over time Students research and implement projects which make their watershed more sustainable, such as recycling projects Students research and implement projects which make their watershed more sustainable
7
 Watershed Geologic History The earth is dynamic and constantly changing Soil erosion study and stream channel profile Erosion control Work with 1st grade on Significance of Soil brochure
Wildlife Natural selection favors those organisms best adapted to their environment and leads organisms to evolve over time Amphibian study, bird survey and deer population study Wildlife enhancement Make a video tape with a "60 Minutes" format about wildlife problems and solutions in the watershed
8
 Ecosystems and the Physical Environment The physical environment affects living things Tree height/diameter and succession study, pH study on rain, soils, streams and/or comparative ecosystem study Restore an ecosystem where a physical change is impacting the success of that ecosystem, such as providing shade for a stream channel that has lost its canopy cover Play production on acid rain
Water Cycle The water cycle is a dynamic system which interacts with the land causing change Stream flow Help irrigators conserve water Attend public meetings on water use and/or help 4th grade complete brochure on water quantity problems and solutions
Aquatic Ecosystems Species are maintained and changed through cellular structures and processes. A population's survival depends upon its adaptations to the environment Stream survey and water quality monitoring. Photo station Stream restoration Slideshow on the water quality of the adopted creek and examples of ways that we can provide a quality habitat for people and wildlife
High
School
 Matter and Energy Matter and energy cycles through ecological systems Productivity studies. Tree height and diameter/succession study Restoration to increase productivity of an impacted system Research and presentation to community on best management practices for a specific ecosystem
Water Quality Environmental chemistry: pollution and solutions Water quality monitoring Search for solutions to water quality problems Watershed congress for community and public officials with "State of the Watershed: Problems and Solutions" as subject
Watershed Physics Force and energy interact with matter to produce change Individual projects in watershed geomorphology. Completion of soil erosion study Variable, dependent on long-term studies Watershed congress for community and public officials with "State of the Watershed: Problems and Solutions" as subject
High
School
Ag.
Science
 Watershed Agriculture Natural resource management and agriculture Stream channel profile Work with ranchers to find solutions to agricultural impacts and restore area impacted; e.g., fencing a stream bank, placing fish screens on irrigation ditched, etc. Work with ranchers to find solutions to agricultural impacts to watershed and produce slideshow on problems and solutions to present at watershed congress
Watershed Vegetation Management The culture and management of vegetation with an emphasis on forestry and native plants Complete tree height/diameter and succession study. Complete soil erosion study Help kindergarten students plant trees and begin succession study Learn about and participate in environmental assessment process including best management practices
Watershed Wildlife Wildlife management Complete wildlife studies (amphibian study, bird survey and deer population study Students help children at younger grade levels complete their wildlife enhancement projects Students choose a wildlife management subject relevant to their watershed, research the subject, and develop a presentation on the subject to give to younger grade levels, at the watershed congress and campfire programs