River Ecology - On-site Activities

Content Area: Science

Grade Level: 4

Time to Complete: 1.5 hours
Title of Program: Cold River Ecology

1. South Carolina State Standards Addressed:

(T) I.A.1.a -	Use the senses and simple tools to gather information about objects or events such as size, shape, color, texture sound, position and change (qualitative observations).
(R) I.A.2.a -	Compare, sort, and group concrete objects according to two attributes.
(R) I.A.3.a -	Use standard (U.S. Customary and Metric) to estimate and measure mass, length, area, perimeter, volume, and temperature to the nearest whole unit (quantitative observations).
(R) I.A.6.a -	Use prior knowledge and observations to identify and explain in advance what will happen.
(T) II.A.1.b -	Describe the diversity of life forms (vertebrate and invertebrate animals; plants) supported by each environment.
(T) II.A.1.c -	Investigate the relationship between the basic needs of different organisms and whether or not a particular environment meets those needs.
(R) II.A.2.b -	Analyze specific behaviors influenced by external cues in the environment (e.g. temperature, light and precipitation).
(T) II.A.4.a -	Identify and describe characteristics and learned behaviors that enable an organism to survive in their environment.

2. Program Description:

Students will conduct a survey of the Middle Saluda River to determine the organisms that live there and how they are adapted for their environment. Organisms collected, water temperature and pH will also be used to determine water quality in the river.

3. Focus Questions For Students:

• What is a mountain river?
• What types of plants and animals would you expect to find in the river?
• Where would you expect to find animals in the river? Why?
• What are the main requirements for a coldwater habitat?
• How are plants and animals adapted for life in a mountain river?

4. Culminating Assessment:

• Complete Post-site Activities

5. Material/Equipment/Resources:

At Jones Gap State Park -
Rubber boots	pH Kit	Video microscope
handouts	Collecting net	Thermometer
forceps	Collecting pans	Petri Dishes
pipette
At school - Pre-site activities

6. Teacher Preparation:

1. Call for reservation.
2. Complete all pre-visit procedures.
3. Read Background Information and be prepared to discuss ecology of cold water streams.
    
   Background Information:
   In South Carolina, mountain river communities are limited to the Blue Ridge geologic region, which comprises less than 1% of the state. By studying these unique ecosystems, students can gain a better understanding of how to protect and preserve these areas. A good way to explore the mountain river ecosystem is through collecting, observing and identifying the aquatic insects that make up an important portion of the river community. These insects live in or on the water for all or part of their lives. They have various morphological structures that make them well adapted to occupy particular river habitats, as well as camouflage coloration and behaviors that enable them to elude consumers. They are an important member of the food webs that allow larger predators, such as trout, to survive. The aquatic insects, along with several other invertebrates, are used as biological indicators of the quality of rivers.
      It is also necessary to understand the physical aspects of this environment, such as water temperature, water pH, amount of dissolved oxygen, and substrate of the river bottom. Some of the fish and aquatic insects have a very narrow tolerance for changes in abiotic conditions. A rise in temperature or a decrease in dissolved oxygen can stress these organisms to the point of death. Additions of sediment or changes in river velocity can adversely affect the organisms within this ecosystem. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the river's watershed for possible changes that could affect the river community. Though natural occurrences within the watershed can result in changes, it is often man's actions that have catastrophic influences. Practices such as logging or construction within the watershed can result in higher water temperatures and increased runoff and the sediments that accompany it. Recreational activities can even influence the conditions necessary for sensitive organisms. These conditions can be investigated by measurements of biotic and abiotic factors made at intervals along the river and by topographic maps and aerial photographs of the watershed.
    
4. River Survey Form
5. Macroinvertebrate Taxa Groups Chart

7. Procedures: