A Little Salty or Not! - A Comparison of Wetlands 
Title: A Little Salty or Not! - A Comparison of Wetlands
Subject: Social Studies
Grade Level: 8Overview:
The learner will construct a research project comparing and contrasting the different types of wetlands.Approximate Duration: Three - four 60 minute class periods
Content Standards:
Geography: Physical and Cultural Systems
Students develop a spatial understanding of Earth's surface and the processes that shape it, the connections between people and places, and the relationship between man and his environment.
Benchmarks:
G-1B-M1
explaining and analyzing both the physical and human phenomena associated with specific places, including precipitation and settlement patterns;
G-1B-M3
identifying criteria used to define regions and explaining how and why regions change;
G-1C-M1
predicting and explaining how physical features help to shape patterns and arrangements in the physical environment;
Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs):
Places and Regions
Grade 8
5. Describe and analyze the distinguishing physical and/or human characteristics of Louisiana regions (G-1B-M1)
7. Explain how or why specific regions are changing as a result of physical phenomena (e.g., changes in the coastal wetlands) (G-1B-M3)
8. Identify and describe factors that cause a Louisiana region to change (e.g., natural occurrences, disasters, migration) (G-1B-M3)
Interdisciplinary Connections:
English/Language Arts : Standard 1
Students read, comprehend, and respond to a range of materials, using a variety of strategies for different purposes.
English/Language Arts : Standard 3
Students communicate using standard English grammar, usage, sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and handwriting.
English/Language Arts : Standard 4
Students demonstrate competence in speaking and listening as tools for learning and communicating.
English/Language Arts : Standard 5
Students locate, select, and synthesize information from a variety of texts, media, references, and technological sources to acquire and communicate knowledge.
Arts : Creative Expression
Students develop creative expression through the application of knowledge, ideas, communication skills, organization abilities and imagination.Educational Technology Standards:
Compose and edit a multi-page document with appropriate formatting using word-processing skills. (e.g., menu, tool bars, dialog boxes, spell check, thesaurus, page layout, headers and footers, word count, margins, tabs, spacing, columns, page orientation)
Use multimedia tools and desktop publishing to develop and present computer-generated projects for directed and independent learning activities.
Use technology tools (e.g., multimedia authoring, writing tools, digital cameras, drawing tools, web tools) to gather information for problem solving, communication, collaborative writing and publishing to create products for various audiences.
Understand Internet concepts (e.g., website, hypertext link, bookmarks, URL addresses) and apply intermediate on-line searching techniques (e.g., employ keyword, phrases, and Boolean Operators).
Objectives:
1. The learner will research using TrackStar to find out about types of wetlands.
2. The learner will complete a graphic organizer identifying similarities and differences of types of wetlands.
3. The learner will construct a research project comparing and contrasting the different types of wetlands.
4. The learner will present information learned to the class.Lesson Materials and Resources:
books
poster
pictures
scissors
glue
TrackStar Worksheet
Research Project Rubric handout
Technology Tools and Materials:
Hardware:
Computer
InternetSoftware:
Inspiration
MS PowerPoint
Websites:
Black Bayou Lake Refuge Track
http://trackstar.4teachers.org/trackstar/ts/viewTrack.do?number=248693
The Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Task Force Web
http://www.lacoast.gov/media/videos/index.htm
TrackStar--A Little Salty or Not: A Comparison of Wetlands
http://trackstar.4teachers.org/trackstar/ts/viewTrack.do?number=271017
Lesson Procedures:
1. Students will use information given from the previous lesson to build on the current lesson. To review the previous information given, the students will complete a worksheet for TrackStar. http://trackstar.4teachers.org/trackstar/ts/viewTrack.do?number=271017
2. The students will choose a salty wetland and a fresh water wetland identified in the TrackStar activity. Using a comparison graphic organizer located in Reproducible Materials, they will compare the similarities and differences of each type of wetland. Students will be given time in class to research needed information.
3. The students will complete a research product comparing the salt water wetland to a fresh water wetland. They will be required to submit a three to five page research paper. They are also required to complete a three to five minute oral presentation using a visual aid of their choice (PowerPoint or other slide show would be recommended). The Salty or Not Research Rubric will be used to guide students through correct completion of the project. Refer students who need extra guidelines for writing the research paper to the following website: A Research Guide for Students, http://www.aresearchguide.com/ .
4. Students will present their research projects to the class in the allotted time, using their choice of presentation devices.
Assessment Procedures:
The students will be assessed on the TrackStar Worksheet, oral presentation and the written report.
Accommodations/Modifications:
Students with visual problems will be moved closer to the front and/or will be given handouts.
The needs of the inclusion students will be met according to their IEP.
Reproducible Materials:
Salty or Not TrackStar Worksheet
Salty or Not Similarities Comparison Template (Inspiration)
Salty or Not Research RubricExplorations and Extensions:
Upon completing both the oral and the written presentation, the class will take a field trip to Black Bayou.Use TrackStar 248693 - Black Bayou Lake Refuge Track.
http://trackstar.4teachers.org/trackstar/ts/viewTrack.do?number=248693
Contact Information:
Satashia Mangham
Carroll Junior High
satashia.mangham@mcschools.net
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