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Wetland Ecology Insight through Field and Laboratory Study

Resources

Water Resources

Center for Applied Aquatic Ecology - http://www.ncsu.edu/wq

The Center for Applied Aquatic Ecology is a research center based at NCSU. The goal of the center is to assess and find practical solutions to water quality problems in the state of NC. JoAnn Burkholder is the director of the center and a Kenan Fellow mentor. The site has a variety of water quality data from the Neuse Estuary as well as areas around Raleigh. There are also descriptions of toxins found in NC waters. The center has an outreach program to help NC students experience field research.

United States Geological Survey - http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt

The US Geological Survey provides real time water data. The site can help to build tables and graphs to compare data among states and regions. Drop down options provide ways to explore water data in the United States.

Neuse River Watershed Atlaswww.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/wqg/neuse/maps.html

An on-line Neuse River Watershed Atlas provides maps and data about the Neuse River. The site is still adding material in an effort to educate the public and provide a forum for research needs. The maps are a great resource for students to explore the Neuse River watershed by regions and counties.

Lesson Plans

The Stream Study - http://people.virginia.edu/~sos-iwla/Stream-Study/StreamStudyHomePage/St...

The Stream Study is a program that provides a method to determine the water quality of a stream based on the macroinvertebrtes found in the area. The site identifies a variety of organisms and their impact on the stream. Information to help in data collection can also be found.

Macroinvertebrates - http://www.ncsu.edu/sciencejunction/depot/experiments/water/lessons/macro/

Macroinvertebrates are great indicators of the quality of water. Three lessons that describe investigations on basic water quality studies, impacts of pH, and effects of pesticide use are provided for educators. References for the teacher are also provided.

Water Quality - http://www.nc4h.org/publications/curriculum/wildlife/13-15-streams.pdf

The link provides a step-by-step guide to help students investigate water quality issues. A data collection sheet as well as a variety of information on macroinvertebrates has been posted by the Cooperative Extension Service for NC. The information is student friendly and utilizes the scientific method.

Science and Geography Lessons- http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/activities/watereverywh...

A discovery education lesson plan incorporates science and geography for grades 6-10. The main objectives are for the students to manipulate data between population growth and availability of water. Students will draw graphs and write an action plan to help a country tackle its water issues.

Community Responsibility - http://www.learningtogive.org/lessons/unit5/lesson4.html

The site provides a middle school lesson plan to explore the roles of government, business, farm, and households in water quality issues. Students explore causes and responsibilities with water quality issues. The lessons encourage the use of a variety of learning styles, references for the teacher, and rubrics for evaluation.

Resource Page - www.epa.gov/ogwdw000/kids/teachers_4-8.html

The US Environmental Protection Agency has provided a list of water lessons for middle grades. Classroom lessons and games are included. The EPA also provides resources for other grade levels for teachers and students. Kids can also find links to help educate them on water issues and their health.

Use of Water - www.k12science.org/curriculum/drainproj/index.html

The link is an interactive guide that allows students to investigate their use of water. The site includes teacher resources, student activities, data, reference material, and a student gallery. The site is an interactive tool for students in the US and the world to compare their water usage.

Water Cycle – www-k12.atmos.washington.edu/k12/pilot/water_cycle/teacherpage.html

The site is a collection of water cycle lesson plans for middle grade teachers. A variety of lessons encourage diversity in the classroom to investigate the steps of the water cycle.

The following list of sites is agencies for the state of North Carolina. They encompass a variety of information for the public and links for educators.

NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources – www.enr.state.nc.us

Division of Water Resources – www.ncwater.org/

Division of Water Quality – http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us

Division of Land Resources – www.dlr.enr.state.nc.us

Division of Soil and Water Conservation – www.enr.state.nc.us/DSWC

Division of Forest Resources – www.dfr.state.nc.us