Jacquelyn C. Olson

SLM 521 – Dropin 3

6^th Grade Science Activity

June 26, 2009

What is an Estuary?

Chesapeake Bay Estuary

As students complete this activity they will form a greater understanding of what an estuary is and the importance of these habitats on the global environment.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity the student will:

1.	Define the term estuary.
2.	Name and describe several different types of estuaries and the characteristics of each.
3.	Analyze how each type of estuary contributes to the health of our global environment.

Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Activities:	Read the following pages and titles located on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) website and follow the prompts for the image activities:
1.	What is an Estuary? http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/estuaries/estuaries01_whatis.html
2.	Why are Estuaries Important? The Economy and the Environment http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/estuaries/estuaries02_economy.html
3.	Why are Estuaries Important? Ecosystem Services http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/estuaries/estuaries03_ecosystem.html
4.	Classifying Estuaries – By Geology http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/estuaries/estuaries04_geology.html
5.	Listen to the Diving Deeper podcast on estuaries from NOAA’s National Ocean Service: Weekly News. http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/podcast/apr09/dd042209.mp3

Chesapeake Bay Marine Estuary

When you have completed all the reading and listening activities, please complete the following worksheet to be discussed in small groups.**

Name:________________________________	Date:_______________________________
Class period:___________________________

1.	What is an estuary and where are the located?
2.	Why are estuaries important to the environment? Give examples from the reading and the podcast.
3.	What is the largest North American marine estuary?
4.	What ecosystem services do estuaries provide?
5.	How are estuaries geologically classified?
6.	Why are estuaries important no matter where you live? What are some ways people adversely affect estuary environments?
7.	What are system-wide monitoring programs? Where can they be found and what is their purpose?
8.	What is the role of the National Ocean Service?
9.	What do you feel is the greatest responsibility of a population to contribute in protecting our country’s estuaries?
10.	What recommendations could you suggest to your community to help protect estuary environments?

As you discuss your answers with your group, write any additional information you learn in the space below.

Follow-up:

Now that you have completed all the above activities, I would like you to design your own estuarial environment. In the space below, in 250 words, describe what elements your estuary contains, including plant and animal life, water (whether salt or fresh, warm or cold, and type such as river, stream, bay, beach, etc.), and climate. Be sure to include as many details as possible to create a complete picture. Then, illustrate your estuary under your description. Don’t stress on artistic ability. I am looking for creativity.

**These worksheets can be printed and used as hand-outs in class.