K-5th Grade
Lessons
A River Runs Through It
Lesson: CLICK HERE
Grade: 3rd - 5th (unit lesson)
Topic: Watersheds; Diversity
Objective: Students will identify the different ways that humans change the land and explore the connection between land uses, in relation to upstream-downstream. Students will also match common pollutants found in waterways with associated land uses.
Florida Curriculum Maps
3rd Grade: Quarter 1
4th Grade: Quarter 4
5th Grade: Quarter 3
South Carolina Standards
5th Grade: Earth Science (Changes in Landforms and Oceans)
Ocean Literacy Principles
Principle 1: The Earth has one big ocean with many features.
Principle 6: The ocean and human are inextricably interconnected.
Estuarine Literacy Principles
Principle 1: Estuaries are interconnected with the world ocean and with major systems and cycles on Earth.
Principle 6: Human activities can impact estuaries by degrading water quality or altering habitats; therefore, we are responsible for making decisions to protect and maintain the health of estuaries.
Creek Cultural Connection
Lesson: CLICK HERE
Grade: 3rd (unit lesson)
Topic: Social Studies; Water Sheds; Ecosystems; Scientific Method
Objective: Students will understand the historical uses of tidal creeks in the area of their school and/or home. Students will understand how creeks connect to the larger watershed system and how these creeks were historically and currently impacted through development.
Florida Curriculum Maps
3rd Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 2
4th Grade: Quarter 4
5th Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 3
South Carolina Standards
5th Grade: Earth Science (Changes in Landforms and Oceans)
Ocean Literacy Principles
Principle 2: The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth.
Principle 4: The ocean made the Earth habitable.
Principle 6: The ocean and human are inextricably interconnected.
Estuarine Literacy Principles
Principle 1: Estuaries are interconnected with the world ocean and with major systems and cycles on Earth.
Principle 5: Humans, even those living far from the coast, rely on goods and services supplied by estuaries.
Principle 6: Human activities can impact estuaries by degrading water quality or altering habitats; therefore, we are responsible for making decisions to protect and maintain the health of estuaries.
Design Your Own Investigation
Lesson: Click Here; Data Sheet; Journal
Grade: 5th - 12th (unit lesson; assessment)
Topic: Scientific Method
Objective: Students will identify and conduct an experiment that interests them related to Spartina alterniflora, and the Spreading Seeds of Estuary Health program.
Florida Curriculum Maps
5th Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 3
South Carolina Standards
5th grade: Science and Engineering Practices, Life Sciences (Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems)
Ocean Literacy Principles
Principle 2: The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth.
Principle 5: The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
Estuarine Literacy Principles
Principle 1: Estuaries are interconnected with the world ocean and with major systems and cycles on Earth.
Principle 2: Estuaries are dynamic ecosystems with tremendous variability within and between them in physical, chemical, and biological components.
Principle 3: Estuaries support an abundance of life, and a diversity of habitat types.
Principle 4: Ongoing research and monitoring is needed to increase our understanding of estuaries and to improve our ability to protect and sustain them.
Principle 5: Humans, even those living far from the coast, rely on goods and services supplied by estuaries.
Principle 6: Human activities can impact estuaries by degrading water quality or altering habitats; therefore, we are responsible for making decisions to protect and maintain the health of estuaries.
Draw a Salt Marsh
Lesson: CLICK HERE
Grade: K- 12th (assessment)
Topic: Food Chain; Interdependence
Objective: Identify common misconceptions, prior knowledge, and baseline information about the salt marsh ecosystem prior to participation in the From Seeds to Shoreline Program. Gauge the level of learning after participation in the From Seeds to Shoreline Program.
Florida Curriculum Maps
Kindergarten: Quarter 4
1st Grade: Quarter 4
2nd Grade: Quarter 3
3rd Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 3
4th Grade: Quarter 4
5th Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 3
South Carolina Standards
3rd Grade: Life Science (Environments and Habitats)
4th Grade: Life Science (Characteristics and Growth of Organisms)
5th Grade: Earth Science (Changes of Landforms and Oceans), Life Science (Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems)
Ocean Literacy Principles
Principle 5: The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
Principle 6: The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.
Estuarine Literacy Principles
Principle 1: Estuaries are interconnected with the world ocean and with major systems and cycles on Earth.
Principle 2: Estuaries are dynamic ecosystems with tremendous variability within and between them in physical, chemical, and biological components.
Principle 3: Estuaries support an abundance of life, and a diversity of habitat types.
Introduction to Taxonomy
Lesson: CLICK HERE; ID Cards (SC); ID Cards (FL)
Grade: 2nd - 6th (intro activity)
Topic: Classify, Classification
Objective: This activity will use the Guide to the Salt Marshes and Tidal Creeks of the Southeastern United States as a way of exploring the different organisms that live in the salt marsh habitat. Students will use critical thinking skills to match descriptions to the correct organism and also classify organisms based on different physical and behavioral characteristics. This activity also allows for students to conduct additional research to learn more about an organism by using the guide as a reference.
Florida Curriculum Maps
3rd Grade: Quarter 1
South Carolina Standards
3rd Grade: Life Science (Environments and Habitats)
4th Grade: Life Science (Characteristics of Growth and Organisms)
5th Grade: Life Science (Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems)
Ocean Literacy Principles
Marsh Metaphors
Lesson: Click Here
Grade: K - 12th (Intro Activity)
Topic: Salt Marsh
Objective: Students will be able to describe characteristics of wetlands, understand the importance of wetlands to wildlife and humans, and understand the potential consequences of lost wetlands.
Florida Curriculum Maps
Kindergarten: Quarter 4
1st Grade: Quarter 4
2nd Grade: Quarter 3
3rd Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 3
4th Grade: Quarter 4
5th Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 3
South Carolina Standards
3rd Grade: Life Science (Environments and Habitats)
4th Grade: Life Science (Characteristics of Growth and Organisms)
5th Grade: Life Science (Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems)
Ocean Literacy Principles
Principle 1: The Earth has one big ocean with many features.
Principle 5: The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
Principle 6: The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.
Estuarine Literacy Principles
Principle 1: Estuaries are interconnected with the world ocean and with major systems and cycles on Earth.
Principle 3: Estuaries support an abundance of life, and a diversity of habitat types.
Principle 5: Humans, even those living far from the coast, rely on goods and services supplied by estuaries.
Principle 6: Human activities can impact estuaries by degrading water quality or altering habitats; therefore, we are responsible for making decisions to protect and maintain the health of estuaries.
Marsh Mystery Water
Lesson: Click Here
Grade: 3rd - 5th (unit lesson)
Topic: Water Quality; Density
Objective: Students will make educated hypotheses and carry out tests to determine if they are refuted or supported. Students will be able to classify different types of water by density.
Florida Curriculum Maps
3rd Grade: Quarter 1
5th Grade: Quarter 5
South Carolina Standards
3rd Grade: Earth Science (Earth's Materials and Processes)
5th Grade: Science Engineering and Practices, Earth Science (Changes in Landforms and Oceans), Life Science (Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems)
Ocean Literacy Principles
Principle 1: The Earth has one big ocean with many features.
Principle 5: The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
Estuarine Literacy Principles
Principle 1: Estuaries are interconnected with the world ocean and with major systems and cycles on Earth.
Principle 2: Estuaries are dynamic ecosystems with tremendous variability within and between them in physical, chemical, and biological components.
Principle 3: Estuaries support an abundance of life, and a diversity of habitat types.
Salt Marsh Scavenger Hunt
Lesson: *this is an activity Click Here
Grade: K - 8th (unit lesson; intro activity)
Topic: Biodiversity
Objective: Students will be able to find and identify integral species within a salt marsh.
South Carolina Standards
3rd Grade: Life Science (Environments and Habitats)
4th Grade: Life Science (Characteristics of Growth and Organisms)
5th Grade: Life Science (Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems)
Ocean Literacy Principles
Principle 5: The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
Estuarine Literacy Principles
Principle 3: Estuaries support an abundance of life, and a diversity of habitat types.
Salt Marsh Tag
Lesson: Click Here
Grade: K - 12th (wrap-up; assessment)
Topic: Benefits of a Salt Marsh
Objective: Students will learn how an estuary functions like a nursery for more than 75% of all commercial and/or recreational caught fish by providing protection for juvenile species.
Florida Curriculum Maps
Kindergarten: Quarter 4
1st Grade: Quarter 4
2nd Grade: Quarter 3
3rd Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 3
4th Grade: Quarter 4
5th Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 3
South Carolina Standards
4th Grade: Life Science (Characteristics of Growth and Organisms)
5th Grade: Life Science (Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems)
Ocean Literacy Principles
Principle 5: The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
Principle 6: The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.
Estuarine Literacy Principles
Principle 1: Estuaries are interconnected with the world ocean and with major systems and cycles on Earth.
Principle 2: Estuaries are dynamic ecosystems with tremendous variability within and between them in physical, chemical, and biological components.
Principle 3: Estuaries support an abundance of life, and a diversity of habitat types.
Principle 4: Ongoing research and monitoring is needed to increase our understanding of estuaries and to improve our ability to protect and sustain them.
Principle 5: Humans, even those living far from the coast, rely on goods and services supplied by estuaries.
Principle 6: Human activities can impact estuaries by degrading water quality or altering habitats; therefore, we are responsible for making decisions to protect and maintain the health of estuaries.
Savory Salt Marsh
Lesson: Click Here
Grade: 3rd - 6th (wrap up; assessment)
Topic: Benefits of a Salt Marsh
Objective: Students will review the major components of the salt marsh and estuary habitat through a hands‐on edible activity.
Florida Curriculum Maps
3rd Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 3
4th Grade: Quarter 4
5th Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 3
South Carolina Standards
3rd Grade: Life Science (Environments and Habitats)
4th Grade: Life Science (Characteristics of Growth and Organisms)
5th Grade: Life Science (Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems)
Ocean Literacy Principles
Principle 5: The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
Estuarine Literacy Principles
Principle 1: Estuaries are interconnected with the world ocean and with major systems and cycles on Earth.
Principle 3: Estuaries support an abundance of life, and a diversity of habitat types.
Principle 5: Humans, even those living far from the coast, rely on goods and services supplied by estuaries.
Principle 6: Human activities can impact estuaries by degrading water quality or altering habitats; therefore, we are responsible for making decisions to protect and maintain the health of estuaries.
Soil Lab
Lesson: Click Here
Grade: 1st - 7th (unit lesson)
Topic: Soil
Objective: Students will compare different soil types (sand, potting soil and mud) and discuss the similarities and differences in their properties
Florida Curriculum Maps
1st Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 4
2nd Grade: Quarter 3
3rd Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 4
4th Grade: Quarter 4
5th Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 3
South Carolina Standards
3rd Grade: Life Science (Environments and Habitats)
5th Grade: Earth Science (Changes in Landforms and Oceans)
Ocean Literacy Principles
Principle 2: The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of the Earth.
Estuarine Literacy Principles
Principle 1: Estuaries are interconnected with the world ocean and with major systems and cycles on Earth.
Principle 2: Estuaries are dynamic ecosystems with tremendous variability within and between them in physical, chemical, and biological components.
Principle 4: Ongoing research and monitoring is needed to increase our understanding of estuaries and to improve our ability to protect and sustain them.
Wacky Watershed Words
Lesson: Click Here
Grade: 3rd - 5th (intro activity)
Topic: Watersheds
Objective: Students will be able to define the words watershed and familiarize themselves with vocabulary associated with watersheds.
Florida Curriculum Maps
3rd Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 4
4th Grade: Quarter 4
5th Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 3
South Carolina Standards
5th Grade: Earth Science (Changes in Landforms and Oceans), Life Science (Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems)
Ocean Literacy Principles
Principle 1: The Earth has one big ocean with many features.
Principle 6: The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.
Estuarine Literacy Principles
Principle 1: Estuaries are interconnected with the world ocean and with major systems and cycles on Earth.
Principle 3: Estuaries support an abundance of life, and a diversity of habitat types.
Principle 5: Humans, even those living far from the coast, rely on goods and services supplied by estuaries.
Watersheds and Wetlands
Lesson: Click Here
Grade: 1st - 6th (unit lesson)
Topic: Watersheds; Wetlands
Objective: Students will construct their own watershed showing both natural and man made structures to see how the impacts of development affect the water systems.
Florida Curriculum Maps
1st Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 4
2nd Grade: Quarter 3
3rd Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 4
4th Grade: Quarter 4
5th Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 3
South Carolina Standards
3rd Grade: Earth Science (Earth's Materials and Processes)
5th Grade: Earth Science (Changes in Landforms and Oceans), Life Science (Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems)
Ocean Literacy Principles
Principle 6: The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.
Estuarine Literacy Principles
Principle 1: Estuaries are interconnected with the world ocean and with major systems and cycles on Earth.
Principle 4: Ongoing research and monitoring is needed to increase our understanding of estuaries and to improve our ability to protect and sustain them.
Principle 5: Humans, even those living far from the coast, rely on goods and services supplied by estuaries.
Principle 6: Human activities can impact estuaries by degrading water quality or altering habitats; therefore, we are responsible for making decisions to protect and maintain the health of estuaries.
Marsh Mystery Water
Lesson: Click Here
Grade: 3rd - 5th (unit lesson)
Topic: Water Quality; Density
Objective: Students will make educated hypotheses and carry out tests to determine if they are refuted or supported. Students will be able to classify different types of water by density.
Florida Curriculum Maps
3rd Grade: Quarter 1
5th Grade: Quarter 5
South Carolina Standards
3rd Grade: Earth Science (Earth's Materials and Processes)
5th Grade: Science Engineering and Practices, Earth Science (Changes in Landforms and Oceans), Life Science (Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems)
Ocean Literacy Principles
Principle 1: The Earth has one big ocean with many features.
Principle 5: The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
Estuarine Literacy Principles
Principle 2: Estuaries are dynamic ecosystems with tremendous variability within and between them in physical, chemical, and biological components.
Principle 3: Estuaries support an abundance of life, and a diversity of habitat types.
Principle 4: Ongoing research and monitoring is needed to increase our understanding of estuaries and to improve our ability to protect and sustain them.
Estuary Keeper
Lesson: Click Here
Grade: 3 rd - 5th (unit lesson)
Topic: Environmental Science; Sustainability; Interdependence
Objective: Students will be able to identify the many ways humans impact on the fish population, both positive and negative. Students will also be able to identify the different affects between living and non-living factors on the fish population.
Florida Curriculum Maps
3rd Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 4
4th Grade: Quarter 4
5th Grade: Quarter 1; Quarter 3
South Carolina Standards
3rd Grade: Life Science (Environments and Habitats)
4th Grade: Life Science: Characteristics and Growth of Organisms
5th Grade: Earth Science (Changes in Landforms and Oceans), Life Science (Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems)
Ocean Literacy Principles
Principle 1: The Earth has one big ocean with many features.
Principle 5: The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
Principle 6: The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.
Estuarine Literacy Principles
Principle 1: Estuaries are interconnected with the world ocean and with major systems and cycles on Earth.
Principle 3: Estuaries support an abundance of life, and a diversity of habitat types.
Principle 5: Humans, even those living far form the coast, rely on goods and services supplied by estuaries.
Principle 6: Human activities can impact estuaries by degrading water quality or altering habitats; therefore, we are responsible for making decisions to protect and maintain the health of estuaries.