Students discover earth science, life science, and engineering design through the lens of wetland ecosystems.
Wetlands: Race to Restore
Connect with scientists from NOAA, The Water Institute of the Gulf, USGS, The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to learn about:
- Wetland ecosystems and ecology, including ecosystem modeling
- Physical and chemical properties of water
- Storm buffering and natural water filtration
- Economic activity supported by healthy wetlands
- Geologic processes of erosion, deposition, and subsidence
- Engineering challenges related to restoring wetland habitat
- Scientific tools and techniques for monitoring change over time
- Approaches to recognizing and preserving essential habitats
Mission 1: Earth Science — Wetland Environments
Expedition 1 begins with the mighty Mississippi River system. The Mississippi River not only drains almost half of the continental United States, but also holds the key to the formation of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. Students will join geologist Denise Reed and wetland scientist Rachel Sweeney to explore the basic processes by which rivers form wetlands and why Louisiana’s wetlands are slowly sinking.
Target Audience:
Grades 4-12
Examples of Key Vocabulary/Concepts:
Watershed, sediment, deltas, coastal wetlands, and river systems.
Featured Games:
Wetlands- Expedition 1- Vocab Challenge
Mission 2: Life Science — Wetland Ecosystems
In Expedition 2, students will work with marine biologist Mark Schexnayder and research ecologist Jacoby Carter to answer questions about Louisiana’s diverse wetland ecosystems. Watch students examine ways in which human activities affect Louisiana’s wetlands and the plants and animals living there, and find out how researchers are working to protect and preserve wetland environments.
Target Audience:
Grades 4-12
Examples of Key Vocabulary/Concepts:
Abiotic factors, The Detrital Cycle, nutria, and swamps vs. marshes.
Featured Games:
Wetlands- Expedition 2- Vocab Challenge
Mission 3: Engineering Design — Wetland Restoration
Students join two representatives of Louisiana’s Coastal Planning and Restoration Authority (CPRA) — director Kyle Graham and civil engineer Kodi Guillory — to examine the challenges that wetland loss poses for all the inhabitants of Louisiana. They will look at the effects of vanishing wetlands on the Louisiana region and the United States. Students will see the effects on industry, food supply, jobs, and the daily life and safety of residents of New Orleans and the entire Mississippi River delta. They will also look at how people with different interests are working together to restore wetlands through a variety of projects.
Target Audience:
Grades 4-12
Examples of Key Vocabulary/Concepts:
Restoration, flood control, canals, and dams.
Featured Games:
Wetlands- Expedition 3- Vocab Challenge
