Academic Programs –> Anacostia Watershed Society Pontoon Boat Trips
Anacostia Watershed Society - Pontoon Boat Trips
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Students peer towards the riverbank, where a The teams compete to create the filter that will best | Pre-trip lesson: Students focus on two aspects of the Anacostia River watershed - its resident species and the on-going struggle with pollution. Students learn to identify various native and invasive species, including birds (bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, great white egrets, belted kingfishers, Canada geese), plants (cattails, wild rice, and phragmites), and animals (beavers, turtles). Finally, students examine the river's environmental challenges, particularly sediment and toxic pollution, focusing on their causes and possible remedies. Trip: The highlight of this unit is a pontoon trip down the Anacostia River conducted by the Anacostia Watershed Society. On the ride down the river, students search the water, land, and sky for the residents of the river habitat. They also explore the effects that pollution has had on the health of the river. Post-trip lesson: As a culminating activity, students further explore solutions to pollution by examining how the earth acts as a natural water filter. Presented with a range of natural materials (large and small rocks, sand, gravel), students work together to decide which materials will best clean polluted water. After observing each team’s results, students come together to discuss why some materials filter better than others. Students also test their knowledge of the Anacostia River habitat as they compete in a collaborative review game and take written assessments. Academic Standards: Reading (4.IT-DP.6); Mathematics (4.NSO-E.29); Science (4.3.1, 4.7.10) |
