Lesson Plan

"Thirst Game -Periphyton" Habitat Video: The Slough

Periphyton in hand
Grade Level:
Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade
Subject:
Science
Lesson Duration:
60 Minutes

Essential Question

What is Periphyton? How is it important to the Everglades environment?

Objective

Measure the amount of water soaked in a quantity of five pieces of Periphyton.

Background

Water is a necessity for all life in the Everglades. Periphyton is a colony of blue-green algae, during the dry season, periphyton will store water like a sponge, distributing nutrients to all life forms. When most parts of the Everglades have dried out, periphyton will still have water and a vital food source for all living creatures. This will result in life flourishing until the next rain falls.
 

Preparation

Incorporate the Everglades into your lesson planning. In partnership with teachers, we are proud to offer multidisciplinary, curriculum-based activities that bring relevant lessons from the field into the classroom. These materials can be used as pre-site lessons for any in-park field trip. Please click here to view a list of Everglades Curriculum Materials.

 

Procedure

To request hard copies or digital copies of the following activity guides, please email the Everglades Education Department or call (305) 242-7753.

 

Vocabulary

Habitat, periphyton, producer, food chain, food web

Additional Resources

Watch "The Slough" episode
https://www.nps.gov/ever/photosmultimedia/mountainsandvalleys.htm

Contact Information

Email us about this lesson plan

Last updated: March 8, 2019