Format
1. This program begins with a discussion about the National Park Service "arrowhead" emblem.
2. Participants then watch a short introductory video about Sleeping Bear Dunes.
3. We get into the core of the program, first by discussing properties of water and how important fresh water is.
4. Watershed will be defined and briefly explained, followed immediately but the "build your own watershed" activity.
5. Microplastics are defined and it is explained how they get into the watershed and the food web.
6. Some ideas for helping the situation are offered, such as the three "R's" and minimizing water waste.
7. Time is allowed for questions and answers.
Objectives
The participant will:
-discover why fresh water is so precious for all life.
-create their own watershed model using simple materials.
-develop an appreciation for watersheds and how important it is to keep them clean.
-list ways they can help improve the health of their watershed.
-define microplastics and explain how they can enter the food web.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
ESS2A 3-5 -- Earth materials and systems
ESS2C 3-5 -- The roles of water in Earth's surface processes
ESS3A 3-5 -- Natural resources
ETS1A 3-5 -- Defining and Delimiting and Engineering Problem
ETS1B 3-5 -- Developing Possible Solutions
ETS1C 3-5 -- Optimizing the Design Solution