So how does this water cycle thing work? Discover the answers by watching this Serious Science video and reading the information below. And to take this learning adventure into your classroom, have your teacher download the free Lesson Activity at the bottom of this page so everyone can share in the fun of this inquiry based learning.
Like many things on our planet, water is constantly changing. As it goes through its cycle, water can change from a solid, to a liquid, or even into a gas. This constant change helps our rivers to run, lakes to stay full, and supplies our homes with water. Without this cycle, our water supplies would be in trouble. The water cycle, or “hydrologic cycle” as our scientist friends call it, can be broken up into three major stages.
The first stage in the water cycle is “evaporation”. As the sun’s energy heats the surface of our lakes, rivers, plants and soil, the water begins to turn to “water vapor”. Steam coming off hot liquid is one way we can see water vapor. This water vapor is a gas that can rise up into the sky. Winds and air currents push the water vapor through the atmosphere until it forms into the next stage – clouds. Have you looked at the sky and wondered “where do all those clouds come from?” Well, they are an important part of the water cycle.
To discover the rest of this story that affects every aspect of life here on the "blue planet", watch this video. Or, to really dive into the depths of understanding the water cycle, try the companion Lesson Guide below in your classroom.
To really get your feet wet in understanding the water cycle, students and educators can learn all about the various roles of water in our lives by exploring Project WET's Discover Water. Just follow the link and dive into all the wet learning there.
Oh yeah, there's also lots more info below in "Learn More" expanded section. Enjoy the water.
Plus, the educational partner noted below supported the video and lesson content here for all of us to learn from. They also offer other learning opportunities on their website. So click on their logo to discover more!
Did you know that trees are actually plants? Or that we would be unable to survive on this planet without plants? These are just a few of the facts presented in this Serious Science video. Josh and Caroline start things off with a debate about whether plants are best as an economic product or as a living home to wildlife. Where do you stand?
So...what is a plant exactly? Josh and Caroline will help you out with that one, before handing things off to mission control. There, Amelia defines the different values related to forests.
First, it's important to understand the difference between abiotic and biotic factors. Biotic factors are living things that contribute to healthy ecosystems. Trees fall into this category, as they take in carbon dioxide, expel oxygen, and feed other species. Abiotic factors include non-living, but essential, parts of an ecosystem. Water, air, soil, and structure fall into this category. Again, trees provide, or help to provide, a multitude of abiotic factors.
Watch the video to learn about the variety of values related to plants. Ecological, economic, social, recreational, cultural, and traditional values all tie in to how humans perceive the environment. What do you value about plants, trees, and the natural world?
Check out the links below and the lesson activities to gain more knowledge about the role plants play in our lives.
Aquaculture is the production of fish, either in containment nets or in recirculating systems.
Aquaponics is the combination of fish culture and hydroponic vegetable production.
Aquaponics systems are more economically and environmentally feasible than typical recirculating aquaculture systems. By growing a secondary crop, such as vegetables or herbs, costs associated with construction, operation and maintenance can be distributed across both fish and vegetable production and make both more viable in cost return. Plants/vegetables via the nitrogen cycle help break down ammonia and nitrates and remove them from the culture water. This is mutually beneficial for both plant propagation and fish culture.
In aquaponics the fish effluent and the nutrients left by leftover decomposing fish food can be utilized by plants and other aquatic life as food. Rather than just throwing away these nutrients food can be produced. Creating a closed loop is not only economically more viable but is also more environmentally sustainable.
Even though traditional agriculture of farming the land is on the decline, aquaculture, also known as fish farming, is on the rise and offers new educational and occupational opportunities. And aquaponics is also a growing trend that has a strong sustainable side.
Aquaculture involves the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of water-raised plants and aquatic animals in various water environments; including tanks, ponds, rivers, lakes, and even the ocean. Aquaculture produces food fish, sport fish, bait fish, ornamental fish, crustaceans, mollusks, algae, sea vegetables, and fish eggs. And some operations combine two or more products in the same operation. Watch our video here and you’ll see for yourself how they make ‘surf n turf” under the same roof.
Some aquaculture operations produce seafood from hatchery fish that are grown to market size in ponds, tanks, or raceways. Other operations grow the combination of fish and plant species used in a variety of food, pharmaceutical, nutritional, and biotechnology products.
Freshwater aquaculture produces species that are native to rivers, lakes, and streams. This aquaculture is dominated by catfish but also produces trout, tilapia, and bass. Freshwater aquaculture takes place primarily in ponds and on the land, inside man-made systems such as recirculating aquaculture systems.
Below you’ll find helpful links and lessons about aquaculture and aquaponics.
Hey, teachers and educators!! Don't forget to check out the advanced overview for some quick-start birding lessons in your classroom plus the lesson plans below.
Did you know that more than 45 million people in the United States are birders? That means one out of seven people you meet enjoy searching for and identifying these important feathery animals.
Why are birds so important you may ask? Well first of all, they help grow and protect many crops that you eat during your mealtimes. Two thousand bird species and other animals help pollinate 90% of plants and 75% of crops around the world. Birds also eat 20 quadrillion plant-eating insects each year that destroy crops like corn, apples, strawberries, and lettuce. Not only do birds help us eat and grow, but their ability to fly at incredible heights, speeds, and distances inspired us to build airplanes. It is no wonder since the peregrine falcon can dive up to 200 miles per hour while the Ruppel’s griffon vulture can fly 37,000 feet off the ground. That is higher than the world’s tallest mountains, the Himalayan Mountains. Lastly, since birds are sensitive to changes in temperature, moisture, and oxygen in their environmental surroundings, birds can be indicators of climate change. Counting the number of species and individual birds in an area assists scientists in gauging the health of the environment. The higher the variety and amount of birds, the better. (of course not in all cases? Could be overpopulation, crowding effects)(scientists may record shifts in nesting or migration behaviors too)
So what can we do to keep or regain habitat for birds? Organizations of people across the country aim to reduce the threat of habitat loss by building sanctuaries or conservancies. These sanctuaries and conservancies are refuges for birds because they protect, manage, and restore habitats that birds depend upon. Thinks of these places as hotels. When birds are in need of a new home, looking for places to find a partner and raise a family, or searching for a place to rest while traveling south for the winter, a bird will ‘check in’ to one of these hotels. Here, a bird may visit family and friends, eat lots of natural food, drink clean water, swim in the pool, and sleep in a safe space. Sounds fun, right?
Additionally, every bird species is unique and requires certain characteristics in their habitat. Therefore, a ‘hotel’ staff must work hard and long to create and maintain a sanctuary or conservancy that provides a vast array of habitats for as many bird and wildlife species as possible. For instance, you may find habitats ranging from tallgrass prairies and oak savannahs to mature hardwood forests and temperate rainforests to open wetlands and coastal beaches in a conservancy or sanctuary.
But sanctuaries and conservancies cannot build themselves. Watch these two videos and learn how avian stewards like you can help sanctuaries and conservancies reach to the skies and create quality habitat for birds.
Our educational partner, American Transmission Company (ATC), supported the video content above. To learn more about their pollinator program, check out the link below. Also, look out for ATC's new bird identification field guide! Book copies may be purchased at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Greenbay, Wisconsin.
Attention, teachers and educators!! Swoop down below to the "Learn More" tab to discover successful ways to build birdhouses with your students. Moreover, check out the elementary lesson plans at the bottom of the page in order to build nest boxes and watch live eagle nests on camera with your class!
When you hear birds singing outside your window, you are listening to the echoes of the past – dinosaurs! Paleontologists have unearthed and analyzed dinosaur fossils and bones for two centuries to understand where birds came from. Due to their hard work and research, scientists have found birds are the descendants of dinosaurs, meaning birds are dinosaurs’ great-great-great-great-great-great-great … grandchildren. Do you know why? Dinosaurs and birds have similar skeleton structures and light, hollow bones. Birds also lay eggs and build nests similar to how dinosaurs did 66 million years ago.
Why do birds even build nests? When your parents laid you down to sleep at night as baby, they might have put you in a crib. Bird nests are essentially like baby cribs. They are safe spaces for birds to protect their children from weather, predators, or falling from great heights. And it may take Mama and Papa Bird days or weeks to build the nest! The parents must first search for the perfect location that will provide shelter from wind, precipitation, and sun: perhaps high in a tree, under your house’s roof, or in bushes and shady grasses. Then they must build, build, build! In the springtime, you may see birds flying and carrying grass blades or twigs in their mouth. This means they are crafting and weaving a special “crib” for their eggs. Just like a crib, a nest must be sturdy, but also have cushioning – like a mattress. Birds will construct nests with branches while also using soft materials such as lichen, leaves, feathers, and fine grasses. These soft materials will provide insulation to keep the eggs warm as well as flexibility to adjust to growing baby birds. Some birds will even go to great lengths to blend in and hide (or in other words, camouflage) their nest into the surroundings. A tree swallow or Baltimore oriole may use two weeks to build a nest for his/her family! And bird nests vary in all shapes, colors, materials, and sizes – just like how every artist’s painting is uniquely different. Some bird species will weave ornate baskets that sit or hang from tree branches while other birds will nest in tree cavities, on cliff sides, on top of water, within shrubs or even upon a simple depression in the ground.
Once the birds are finished building their special nest, it is time for Mama Bird to lay her eggs. How many eggs can she lay? Well, the clutch – or the number of eggs the female lays – depends upon the species of bird. Tropical birds may only lay two to three eggs while waterfowl can lay up to 15 eggs! Then, the female (and sometimes even the male) will sit … and sit … and sit … on the eggs for weeks until they hatch. Usually, the larger the bird species, the longer it takes the eggs to hatch. The parent bird must be diligent and keep the eggs heated between 99 to 102 degrees Farenheight – that’s as warm as a high fever! When the baby chick is ready to hatch, the chick must work hard to break free of the shell. It can take hours or sometimes even days! They use a hard bump on their beak called an egg tooth to chip through the eggshell.
You may be wondering how long it takes for birds to raise their young. The answer is … it depends! Some birds are born altricial while others are born precocial. Altricial birds, such as songbirds and seabirds, are born into the world blind, featherless, and weak. To grow strong, they greatly depend upon their parents to keep them warm, sheltered, and fed, like how we did as babies. After a month in the nest, the large and feathery hatchlings may stretch their wings and fly from the nest. Yet, imagine if human babies could walk within hours or days of being born. That is what precocial birds can do! These precocial chicks have feathers and advanced motor and sensory functions when born. Ready to be off the nest, the chicks and parents will journey to brood habitat that is stocked full of yummy insects and grubs for the chicks to eat. However, the time it takes for them to fledge, or fly, may take several months. That’s a long time to avoid predators on the ground without flight. Regardless, once the chick has successfully fledged, the baby chick becomes a “juvenile” and must eventually brave the wide world without their parents.
Breeding and nesting habitats are some of the most critical habitats to birds. Yet, as cities consume and continue to reduce the wild landscape, birds increasingly struggle to find safe spaces to breed, reproduce, and successfully fledge their young. Increases in human settlement may reduce the quality of nesting habitat. More specifically, the spread of human development can:
Yet, organizations and people like you are working actively to reduce and mitigate the impacts of human development. Stretch your wings and watch these two videos like a hawk in order to learn how companies create nesting habitat for great blue herons and osprey. And if you download the lesson guides below, you and your fellow peeps can help bird families find a home by watching birds build nests and then designing your own backyard bird houses for them.
Our educational partner, American Transmission Company (ATC), supported the video content above. To learn more about their avian protection program, check out the link below. Also, look out for ATC’s new bird identification field guide! Book copies may be purchased at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Greenbay, Wisconsin.
If you haven't yet explored our Pioneers In Conservation page yet, please take a moment to at least watch the video there. Why? Because understanding the history of America's conservation programs can help us better understand and project the future of our conservation programs. The formula is pretty simple, really. When nobody funded hunting and fishing, people hunted and fished until populations were all but wiped out in many areas. Nobody regulated and managed those species then because there wasn't a funded agency or funding for management. Two prime examples are the billions of passenger pigeons that are now gone forever, or fish such as the Arctic grayling that once filled the cold water rivers in Michigan.
Let's decode this a little more. America's conservation programs are run by agencies and organizations. Those agencies and organizations are made up of teams of conservation professionals who have dedicated their careers to conservation of fish, wildlife and ecosystems. It costs a lot of money to run those agencies and employ those teams of conservation professionals. So where does all that money come from to fund conservation programs across the nation?
America's conservation programs are funded from two major sources; 1) fees paid by people who participate in various outdoor pursuits, such as anglers and hunters who buy licenses each year, 2) special "excise taxes" paid on certain items purchased for outdoors pursuits. So the bottom line is that if fewer people fish, hunt, and purchase related outdoor gear, there will be less and less money to fund the agencies and conservation programs that all Americans enjoy. To learn more about the details of funding of America's conservation programs, click on the LEARN MORE tab below.
It's somewhat of a "user pay" principle. Fewer outdoor people equates to less conservation funding, while more outdoor people means more funding for conservation programs. Of course there's one small twist in all this. Only about 5% of Americans hunt and only 10% fish. Yet this relatively small funding slice of society pays for the majority of conservation programs that 100% of all Americans get to enjoy. So to continue getting funding for conservation, Conservation Educators need to get more people interested and actually involved in outdoor pursuits. Their jobs combine being part educator, part salesperson, social media and promotional expert, and using a variety of public engagement programs that focus on something called "R3"... 1) Recruitment, 2) Retention, 3) Reactivation... of people who fish, hunt, trap, and participate in shooting sports and other key outdoor pursuits.
To discover how these Conservation Educators connect the public with the rewards of being actively involved in conservation related pursuits, watch the video here, and have your teacher conduct the lesson activities below so your entire class can share in understanding how conservation works for all of us to enjoy.
So are YOU interested in a career as a Conservation Educator or R3 Coordinator? If you're unsure, contact one in your state to learn more about all the things they do for the future of conservation programs.
This wildlife education program is made possible with support of these key educational partners. You and your teachers can link to their websites for additional information and educational opportunities.
At SCI Foundation’s American Wilderness Leadership School location in Jackson, Wyoming, educators and students learn about conservation, wildlife management, and outdoor recreation through outdoor, hands-on activities. Their Hands on Wildlife (HOW) program provides educators with conservation education instructional tools they can use in hands-on instruction.
Seasonal subsistence was a key in the lifestyles of Native Americans and fish resources have been an important part of their diet throughout history. So it makes you wonder… how has their relationship with fish resources changed over the centuries, and how does it compare to today?
To find out, take a step back in time and watch this interesting video. Then you can share and expand the discovery of learning in your classroom with a combination of watching the video and having your teacher download the free Lesson Activity at the bottom of this page that really tests your skills at seasonal subsistence.
Let's begin a very long time ago. Archaeologists, the scientists who study past civilizations, believe that Native Americans inhabited Wisconsin shortly after the melting of the last continental glaciers about 13,000 years ago. Back then, mammoths, buffalo, giant beavers and other Ice Age creatures roamed across the landscape.
In many areas, these Native people left behind clues to their culture with stone artifacts, effigy mounds, and rock art in caves. From this evidence, scientists believe that the Native people lived off the land by hunting, fishing, farming and gathering natural foods. The largest of these American Indian populations in Wisconsin were the Menominee, who lived around the Fox River area.
Historically, the Menominee people farmed gardens of corn, beans and squash. They also relied on important aquatic food resources such as wild rice and fish. One of the more important fish species they harvested for food was the sturgeon. Because of their size, just one of the huge fish could feed a lot of people.
All creatures, including humans, get their food using something called an “optimum foraging strategy”. It simply means getting the most food with the least effort or risk. That usually means gathering whatever food source is most abundant and accessible at any given time and place. To find out how Native Americans used these foraging strategies, explore the "Learn More" below.
Plus, the educational partner noted below supported the video and lesson content here for all of us to learn from. They also offer other learning opportunities on their website. Educators are encouraged to evaluate and consider their science sources. Click on their logo to discover more!
Let's say you invited a new friend over to your house. But while they visited, they kicked your dog, used fowl language in front of your mom, and spit their used bubble gum on your living room carpet... then stepped in it. As they left, they said, "That was fun. When can I come back?" You'd probably yell, "NEVER AGAIN!" And if aquatic ecosystems could talk, they might also say something similar to irresponsible anglers who abuse the privilege of fishing there.
With that in mind, let's pretend for a moment that all the biotic (living things) and abiotic factors (non-living such as water) in an aquatic ecosystem could in fact speak to us, here's a few things they would say about angling ethics.
Treat our fish with care - The fact is that the process of fishing involves pulling an aquatic organism (a fish) out of the environment they need to survive. And whether you're considering keeping some fish for a sustainable food source, or releasing everything you catch, consider these ethical points:
Ah, that's a good start on your angling ethics, but you still have three more important things to discover in the "Learn More" section below. And so your entire classroom can share in being responsible ecosystem stewards, share the lesson activity with them and your teacher. It's free at the bottom of this page.
Let's start with a simple reality check. Why do you go fishing? Most people would say, "To catch fish, of course!". But if you really think about the entire process of "going fishing" it's a combination of;
And what's the one single thing that can keep you from enjoying all of the 4 main reasons for going fishing? Getting injured or killed while fishing. Any guesses what the leading causes of those injuries or deaths? The U.S. coast Guard confirms that, human errors remain the leading causes of boating accidents. The best way to prevent those human errors is with education and by following your fishing safety plan. So let's review your easy-peasy plan to keep you and your fishing peeps safe by becoming a smart angler.
But first, watch the video on this page and make a list of all the safe-n-smart things this crew does, plus what other things they could do to make their fishing adventure even safer. Please note that we’re not your complete solution to boating and fishing safety. In fact, we recommend that you take a certified boating safety course to protect your life and the lives of your friends and family. It’s one of the smartest things you can do as an angler, plus it’s required in most states as part of registered boating. Here’s how to get certified to be a safe and smart boater and angler when you’re on boats. https://www.boat-ed.com/
1. Wear Your PFD – The math is pretty simple on this one. If 84% of the people who drown each year failed to be wearing a PFD (personal flotation device), then you stand an 84% better chance of coming back from every fishing trip by wearing your PFD. Duaah. No rocket science required for this part of your plan. And before you boast about “being such a good swimmer”, consider how many good swimmers perished because:
So rule number 1 in your plan is - own your own and always wear your approved PFD while fishing, especially when the boat is moving under power. For the complete guide on selecting your PFD, visit this U.S. Coast Guard page… https://www.uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/life-jacket-wear-wearing-your-life-jacket.php
2. Use The Buddy System – Ask any seasoned angler if they ever had a dangerous fishing incident and many will tell you that bad things happened when they were alone. So the smart solution is to always go fishing with a buddy. Your buddy can both help prevent accidents from happening in the first place and help rescue you (or you rescue them) if something goes wrong. Plus, most anglers admit that their best fishing adventures were with their buddy sharing in both the fun, memories, and yes, safety. And the best fishing buddies are the ones who have also taken boating safety and take an active role sharing your safe fishing plan.
3. File A Float Plan – When you’re fishing, it’s only natural that you’re looking for that secret, out-of-the-way or distant spot where you’ll catch the big ones. That also means that you’ll likely end up where nobody else knows where in the heck you’re at if you need help. So safe-n-smart anglers take a few moments to fill out and file a float plan, that you email or give it to two persons you know. Google Maps and cell phone apps make it easy and accurate. It can be a simple float plan of exactly where you’re going with, and who, plus when you expect to return. But the more details you can provide, the more you empower others to help rescue you if you don’t return on time. The Coast Guard makes it easy and complete with their free downloadable PDF Float Plan that you can fill in and email to responsible friends or family. And don’t forget that float plan safety includes everyone on board bringing a full-charged cell phone in a waterproof container. And when you’re home safe at the end of the trip, don’t forget to call the people you gave your float plan to and let them know you’re home safely.
4. The Elements – We already know that you’re smart because you’re planning for angling success. Now make your safe fishing adventure complete by planning to keep that body of yours safe from the elements. And don’t say, “Oh, it’s a beautiful day, no worries.” You won’t enjoy the trip if you’re cold, thirsty, sunburned, or ill. So pack and bring your personal safety sack with:
Ice fishing during the winter presents a whole new set of safety concerns. If you're up for fishing through the ice, research and develop a specialized safety plan for that and definitely follow the buddy system and check out the helpful ice fishing safety resources here from our friends at takemefishing.org.
For all kinds of other helpful information and resources on how kids can learn where-to and how-to go fishing, explore our companion KidsFishing.US website. To discover more about becoming a future angler, visit our educational partners that helped make this video, webpage and lesson possible by clicking on their logos below.
To really get serious about being a safe boater, take the complete online boating safety course using the link below.
Official Boater Safety Courses
and Boat Safety Education Materials
Recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, approved by NASBLA and your state boating license agency, and approved by Transport Canada
Imagine that you're on a family vacation somewhere stuck in what appears to be the middle of nowhere but you want some angling action. What are your options?
No sense in pouting when you've got the Internet and local bait shops to help decode some of the pathways to going fishing in new locations. Take the Florida Everglades for instance. The 10,000 Islands area where the fresh water of the vast Everglades meets the ocean is a daunting maze that seems impossible to figure out. Yet like most places, there are clear pathways to angling action if you know where to look.
Local Guides - One surefire way to learn how to catch fish in a new area is to hire a local guide. They make a daily living showing people where and how to catch fish. Plus, they can offer years worth of advice on refined fishing techniques and baits that you can use to broaden your fishing savvy. Admittedly, the drawback is getting your parents to pay for a guide. So propose the trip as a family adventure that might cost less than taking everyone to Disney. And unlike carnival rides, you'll likely end up with the fixings for a great fish dinner at the end of the fishing adventure.
Local Bait Shops - Now you might think that local bait shops would be tighter-lipped than a catfish about spilling the beans to strangers on where and how to catch fish locally. So we actually had some of our anglers wander into a bait shop and explain they were vacationing and would appreciate a some expert advice on where and how to catch something. Guess what? Most bait shop staff consider themselves fishing "experts" and freely offer solid info on where to catch fish. Many will even offer "what they're biting on this week" in hopes of you catching something while they get to sell you a certain lure or bait. It's a win-win for both parties.
Government Websites, Offices & Officials - You have some very productive options here. First, you have free and easy online access to fishing on state and federal waters. For instance, a quick search on "Fishing the Everglades" reveals over 6 million hits with a number from Everglades National Park and Florida Fish & Wildlife. We've had our youth anglers actually stop into ranger stations and information offices to get detailed maps and friendly advice on where to catch fish. Some rangers in the field even told us their secret baits and how to fish them. Bingo, fish on! And don't forget solid online resources such as https://www.takemefishing.org/where-to-fish-and-boat/
Other Anglers - Bait shop staff aren't the only ones who consider themselves "fishing experts". Most other anglers will freely offer helpful "expert advice" to newbies, especially young anglers looking to learn how to catch fish. We've tried this "inter-personal" research on Florida piers, boat launches, beaches, and near river mouths and universally, most seasoned anglers are happy to share some where-to and plenty of how-to on catching local species.
Now that you have some simple and clear pathways to help you learn how to catch fish wherever you go, let's dive into the interesting dynamics in the Florida estuary food webs that will help you fill your tackle box with fishing smarts. Because knowing what fish eat when and how will help you choose the right bait, place and fishing techniques. Makes sense, right? So click on the Learn More tab below. And don't forget to share all this fun fishing detective work with your classroom using the free lesson activities below. Print a copy for your teacher today. Who knows, you might get an A!
But remember, wherever you fish, always check and follow local regulations such as these you'll find on; https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/saltwater-fishing/
