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In this lesson, we will define watersheds and discuss their importance at a local level.
In this lesson, we will define watersheds and discuss their importance at a local level.
What is a watershed?
What is a watershed?
First, let's review what a watershed is. A watershed is an area of land that drains into a specific body of water.
Do you know which watershed you live in? If not, that's ok! We will learn more about our local watersheds in the sections below.
Can you name the 3 major waterbodies in the District of Columbia?
Can you name the 3 major waterbodies in the District of Columbia?
The District of Columbia has three major bodies of water including the Potomac River, Anacostia River, and Rock Creek.
The District of Columbia has three major bodies of water including the Potomac River, Anacostia River, and Rock Creek.
The Potomac River borders the southwestern side of the District. The Lincoln Memorial and Georgetown are both on the Potomac River.
The Anacostia River cuts through the eastern side of the City. The Washington Nationals baseball field and the D.C. United soccer field are both very close to the banks of the Anacostia River.
Rock Creek flows through the western side of the District. Rock Creek flows right by the National Zoo and eventually empties into the Potomac River in Georgetown.
Each of these waterbodies has its own watershed and is part of a larger watershed, the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Each of these waterbodies has its own watershed and is part of a larger watershed, the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
What is the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed?
What is the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed?
The Chesapeake Bay is a body of water that is surrounded by land but also open to the Atlantic Ocean. The Chesapeake Bay watershed includes parts of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and Washington D.C.
Mapping Activity:
Mapping Activity:
Let's draw a map of our local watershed! Use the maps in the image carousel below or use an internet search to create your own drawing of the watershed you live in. Take it one step further and connect your watershed to the Atlantic Ocean. Make sure to decorate your map with local wildlife!
Why is knowing about your local watershed important?
Why is knowing about your local watershed important?
Water isn't the only thing that flows down a river. Trash, plastic, and other waste float down the rivers and can be harmful to people and wildlife. We need to make sure we are doing our part to keep the water in the District of Columbia clean so the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean stay clean for everyone and everything.
Pollution in the Chesapeake Bay is something everyone needs to be aware of if we want clean water. Read this article from the Maryland Department of Energy and learn about various types of pollution and the impacts they have on the bay watershed.
Pollution in the Chesapeake Bay is something everyone needs to be aware of if we want clean water. Read this article from the Maryland Department of Energy and learn about various types of pollution and the impacts they have on the bay watershed.
From the article can you name 3 different types of pollution that affect the Chesapeake Bay?
From the article can you name 3 different types of pollution that affect the Chesapeake Bay?
Watershed Simulation Activity
Watershed Simulation Activity
Enjoy the video below describing a fun watershed simulation activity. In this video we will discuss watershed topography, pollution and drinking water. We will do this by creating our own replica watershed using paper, markers, and a water spray bottle.
Quiz
Quiz
Let's see what you learned! Follow this link to our interactive quiz on the Quizalize website.
Additional Resources:
Additional Resources:
To learn more about watersheds and their importance, check out the informative links below:
https://fergusonfoundation.org/hbf-kids-zone/ways-of-a-watershed/
https://mde.state.md.us/programs/Marylander/outreach/Pages/10ThingsYouCanDo.aspx
https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/88742/how-cities-and-suburbs-affect-chesapeake-bay
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