Activity 2.1Mapping Ecosystems

and Organisms

JASON Expedition: JASON Expedition: Disappearing Disappearing

WetlandsWetlands 2004-20072004-2007

ComponentsComponents

• Activity 2.1

• Introductory Video: Segment 3

• Chat sessions

• Digital Lab: Secret Life of the Bayou

• LIVE Broadcast

ObjectivesObjectives

Students will familiarize themselves with Mark Schexnayder’s research.

Students will use data from the field to increase their understanding of Louisiana’s wetlands.

Research QuestionsResearch QuestionsWhat kinds of wetland ecosystems can be foundin Louisiana?

What kinds of plants and animals do Louisiana’s wetlands support?

How do plants and animals depend on oneanother and their environment for survival?

How are changes to Louisiana’s wetlandsimpacting the plant and animal communities thatlive there?

VocabularyVocabulary

Estuary, ecosystem, freshwater, brackish, abiotic, biotic, salinity, organism, hydric, swamps, marshes, deciduous, producers, consumers, decomposers, detrital cycle, detritus, saltwater intrusion, channels, alien species, eat out, sampling

Gathering InformationGathering Information

JASON Journal: Create a T-chart or table on Louisiana’s ecosystems

Types of ecosystemsFlora and fauna for each ecosystem

Information SourcesResearch Article: The Life of a Marsh, p. 48-55Introductory Video: Segments 1 and 3Digital Lab: Secrets of the Bayou

Activity - 2.1, p. 60Activity - 2.1, p. 60

Label each site’s ecosystem:Forested wetlandFreshwater marshIntermediate marshBrackish marshSaltwater marshOpen sea

Activity - 2.1, p. 61Activity - 2.1, p. 61

JASON Journal: Create a chart

Column 1 - List the fish and shellfish

Column 2 - Note their preferred habitat

Column 3 - Predict sites where each species may found

Compare your predictions withMark Schexnayder’s data, p. 62

Activity - 2.1, p. 60Activity - 2.1, p. 60

Create a map color key for each species.

Using your map key, indicate where each species isfound on the map.Note: Include all sites where each species is found.

JASON Journal: Write a report for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries regarding fish catch areas forGulf menhaden, spot, and red drum.

AssessmentAssessment

Observations, p. 59

Conclusion Questions, p. 59

Show What You Know, p. 71

Create an Assessment: TJO

NovelNovel

Swamp by Kathleen Duey and Karen A. Bale

TJOTJOChat: Mark Schexnayder

Digital Lab: Secret Life of the Bayou

IntroductionIntroduction

Choose an OrganismChoose an Organism

Where Will it Thrive?Where Will it Thrive?

You Survived!You Survived!

StandardsStandards

What standards could you address with this activity?

Information sources:Alignments, p. T8-T11, T46a

TJO: State standards alignment tool

JASON Expedition: JASON Expedition: Disappearing Disappearing

WetlandsWetlands 2004-20072004-2007