Duration: 60-75 minutes
Subjects: Science, Geography, Math, Language Arts
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Define what a watershed is and explain how water connects different habitats.
- Identify key abiotic (non-living) factors that influence life in aquatic and surrounding ecosystems.
- Collect and record simple environmental data (e.g. temperature, sunlight, soil moisture).
- Explain how abiotic and biotic factors interact to shape ecosystems.
Materials
- Regional or local watershed maps (printed or digital)
- Clipboards, pencils, and data collection sheets
- Thermometers, soil moisture meters, and light meters (optional, can be estimated visually)
- Clear plastic cups or containers for collecting small water samples
- Chart paper and markers for class discussion
- Nature journals or blank paper for diagram creation
Curriculum Connections
Science:
- Understanding ecosystems and interactions between living and non-living components.
- Investigating local environments and the impact of natural processes.
Geography/Social Studies:
- Explore how water systems connect communities and habitats.
- Develop map-reading and spatial awareness skills.
Language Arts:
- Recording observations in journals.
- Communicating findings and reflections clearly.
Math:
- Measuring and recording environmental data.
- Creating simple graphs or tables to represent data.
Terms
- Watershed: An area of land where all the water drains into a shared body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean.
- Abiotic Factors: Non-living components of an ecosystem (e.g. sunlight, water, soil, temperature).
- Biotic Factors: Living components of an ecosystem (plants, animals, fungi, bacteria).
- Water Cycle: The continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Instructions
Introduction
Begin with a discussion: Where does the water in our rivers, lakes, and ponds come from?
Explain that a watershed is like nature’s neighborhood – every drop of rain eventually flows downhill, connecting all living things.
Show a local watershed map. Have students trace where their nearest creek, stream, or river flows.
Introduce abiotic factors such as sunlight, soil, water, air, and temperature, as the foundation for all life.
Outdoor Exploration
Visit a nearby natural area or schoolyard with access to soil, plants, and (if possible) a small body of water, using your BioKit.
Divide students into small groups. Give each a data collection sheet with categories such as:
- Air temperature
- Soil moisture (dry, damp, wet)
- Sunlight level (full sun, partial, shade)
- Water clarity (clear, murky, muddy)
- Notes on nearby plants or animals
Encourage observations: ‘Where does the water go after it rains?’ and ‘Which plants grow closest to the water?’
Data Sharing and Discussion
Back in class, have each group share their findings. Record data on chart paper.
Discuss patterns:
- Where was it warmest or wettest?
- Which areas had the most plant life?
- How do abiotic factors affect who lives where?
Relate findings to the wildlife range maps – how do animals rely on healthy watersheds for prey and habitat diversity.
Reflection
Students create a simple watershed diagram showing hills, rivers, soil, plants, and animals. Include arrows to show water flow and labels for at least three abiotic factors.
Ask students how humans might affect a watershed and have them consider examples such as pollution, dams, draining wetlands or the impacts of climate change.
Extensions
Math: Graph average soil moisture or temperature readings from different locations.
Language Arts: Write a story or poem from the perspective of a raindrop or river stone.
Art: Create 3D watershed models using recycled materials.
Social Studies/Citizenship: Research how local communities care for their watersheds or reduce pollution.
Technology: Use iNaturalist or Google Earth to explore connected water systems across your region.
