We had a GREAT LiveStream!!

Swamp Wonders: Diving into Big Cypress National Preserve via LiveStream

​Goals:

1. Understand the diverse ecosystems present within a swamp, especially focusing on the Big Cypress National Preserve.
2. Recognize the various animal species that inhabit these ecosystems.
3. Comprehend the significance of swamps in watersheds and their role in maintaining a balanced environment.

Scenario: Journey with us into the heart of one of America's most unique and vital ecosystems: the Big Cypress National Preserve. As the LiveStream unveils the mysteries of the swamp, students will delve into the intertwining habitats, from cypress domes to pineland prairies, while learning about the creatures that call them home and the essential role swamps play in our watersheds.

Resources:

• Internet-connected devices for accessing the LiveStream.
• Reference articles or video clips about swamps and watersheds.
• Art supplies: colored pencils, markers, paper, and clay.

Call to Action: Embark on a digital expedition to explore the profound beauty and importance of the Big Cypress National Preserve. Dive deep into its ecosystem, identify the diverse wildlife, and grasp the crucial role of swamps in our environment.

Activities or Engineering Design Challenges:
1. Swamp Ecosystems Exploration (30 mins):

• Using images found on nps.gov website, students will identify different swamp ecosystems, such as hardwood hammocks, cypress strands, and pineland prairies.
• Discuss the unique characteristics of each ecosystem, touching on the flora and fauna specific to them.​

2. Wildlife Bingo during LiveStream (45 mins):

• Provide students with bingo cards featuring images or names of animals native to Big Cypress, like the Florida panther, wading birds, alligators, and more. (www.myfreebingocards.com)
• As animals appear or are mentioned during the LiveStream, students can mark off the corresponding spot on their card. The first to get five in a row shouts "Bingo!"

3. Swamp's Role in Watershed (25 mins):

• Present a short clip or article discussing the importance of swamps in watersheds.
• Highlight how swamps act as natural water filters and storage systems, reducing floods and maintaining water quality.

4. Create a Swamp Diorama (60 mins):

• Challenge students to craft a 3D diorama representing a swamp ecosystem using art supplies and clay.
• The diorama should showcase the different layers of the swamp, its biodiversity, and ideally illustrate the flow of water into and out of the swamp.

Reflection:
Group Discussion (20 mins):

• After the LiveStream, gather students and discuss their observations and learnings from the virtual experience.
• Facilitate a conversation around the animals they found most fascinating and the significance of preserving such habitats.

Journaling Activity (15 mins):

• Students should record their thoughts, insights, and feelings about the Big Cypress National Preserve, focusing on its environmental importance and the role of swamps in our ecosystem.

Diorama Presentation (30 mins):

• Invite students to present their swamp dioramas to the class. They should describe the elements they've incorporated and the significance of each.
• Celebrate the diversity of interpretations and emphasize the importance of hands-on learning in understanding complex ecosystems.