Grassy Waters

ACWA

Aquatic Connections and Watershed Awareness

4^th Grade Offerings
Swamp Succession
Students examine the interconnectedness of Everglades ecosystems by exploring the cyclic interactions of organisms with each other and their environment.

When in Doubt, Decompose
Students trek through the marshy waters of GWP for a guided hike through the Everglades. Students have the opportunity to closely examine organisms that cause changes within the environment, such as plants, animals, fungi, and people. Students discuss how these organisms help create the ecosystem they see today, and identify different organisms as decomposers, producers, and consumers. Students examine ways in which the process of decay changes and shapes the environment. Bring a change of clothes and shoes. Students will get wet and muddy. Closed-toed shoes required.

Following Food Webs
Students will form investigative teams to find, identify, and describe components of an Everglades food web. Students investigate the consequences of moving or changing various components of the food cycle and the environment. Students discuss people’s role in changing the environment and learn how conserving water at home can help minimize the impact on the water-dependent Everglades food web. Bring a change of clothes and shoes. Students will get wet and muddy. Closed-toed shoes required.

Florida Sunshine State Standards
Grade-Level Expectations
SC.B.1.2.1 The student knows that most living things use energy from the Sun to live and grow. The student knows how to trace the flow of energy in a system (for example, in an ecosystem).
SC.D.2.2.1 The student knows ways in which people can conserve natural resources. The student knows ways misuse of natural resources affects the quality of life for all species.
SC.G.1.2.1 The student knows how plants and animals interact with one another in an ecosystem. The student understands the relationship among organisms in aquatic and terrestrial food chains.
SC.G.1.2.4 The student knows organisms that act as decomposers. The student understands the need for nutrients and minerals for living organisms. The student understands the process of decay.
SC.G.1.2.6 The student knows that organisms are growing, dying, and decaying, and that new organisms are being produced.
SC.G.2.2.3 The student understands patterns of interdependency in ecological systems. The student understands that what benefits one organism may be harmful to other organisms. The student understands that changes in an ecological system usually affect the whole system.

Reservations are required a minimum of one month in advance.
Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
Contact Sam Dorfman, ACWA Program Coordinator at (561) 804-4985.