questions

At the Water's Edge

What can we discover about a freshwater ecosystem when observing it from the water's edge?

Freshwater lakes, rivers, and wetlands have shaped Minnesota's land and its people into what we are today. Our water is a part of our family and community activities, stories, culture and history! Think about your experiences with the freshwaters in your community:

What do you like to do on or around waterways in your community?
What community activities happen there? What businesses depend on this water?
How is water a part of your town’s history and culture?

Observe Outside

Go outside to your local river, lake, or wetland. Observe the water, soil, plants, animals, weather, and human presence around the area. What do you notice?

Observe Video

If you can't go outside, observe a video of your local river, lake, or wetland, or a similar body of water. Observe the water, soil, plants, animals, weather, and human presence around the area. What do you notice?

Record Your Observations

Record your observations and reflections in an O.W.L. data table using these prompts:

I OBSERVED...
I WONDER...
This LINKS to...

Respond to these questions:

Where is the body of water located in your community?
What kinds of plants and animals do you see there?
What relationships did you notice between plants, animals, and the water? (How does one affect another? How does one need another?)
What are signs of human activities happening here?
What development is here or nearby (buildings, houses, farms, roads, etc.)?

Let's discuss what you observed

Let's Go