River Ecology On-Site Activities

River Ecology - On-site Activities/Interpreter Led

Grade Level: 3
Content Area: Science
Time to Complete: 1.5 hours
Title of Lesson: Cold River Ecology

South Carolina State Standards Addressed:

(R) 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.4.a	Use drawings, tables, graphs, written and oral language to describe objects and explain ideas and actions.
(T) II. A.1.a	Organisms can survive only in habitats in which their needs can be met. Compare and contrast the basic needs of plants and animals.
(T) II. A.1.b	Organisms can survive only in habitats in which their needs can be met. Select and describe an appropriate habitat for a plant or animal.
(T) II. C.2.d	Investigate and describe that aquatic and terrestrial habitats support a diversity of plants and animals that share the same resources.

Lesson Description:

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

Focus Questions For Students:

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

Culminating Assessment:

Complete Post-Site Activities

Materials/Equipment/Resources:

At Jones Gap State Park:

Rubber boot	Video microscope	handouts	Trout Food
Collecting net	Thermometer	forceps
Collecting pans	Petri Dishes	pipette

At school:

Pre-visit activities

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 2% 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.

Procedures:

1.	Provide students with boots and collecting nets.
2.	Select adults to help in the river and at the trout pond and brief them on boundaries and rules.
3.	Explain safety rules and boundaries to students.
4.	Demonstrate how to safely and gently collect organisms. Explain to students that organisms will be returned to river after observations are made.
5.	Students will measure the temperature of the river.
6.	Students will collect organisms from the river and place them in collecting pans.
7.	Students will make observations and draw trout to predict how they are adapted to a coldwater river habitat.
8.	Discuss temperature data collected from river and how these factors affect organisms that live in the river.
9.	Return to laboratory or group area to identify organisms, discuss adaptations and complete River Survey worksheet.