Wetlands are incredible ecosystems that provide food and habitat to thousands of species, as well as dozens of migrating birds and waterfowl. But wetlands aren’t only important to wildlife; they help humans, too! Wetlands filter out pollutants from surface water run-off, including nitrates and phosphorous from agricultural fields. They help us in times of flooding by absorbing water like a sponge, and storing that water to be released in drier periods when we need it most.
In Iowa alone, we have lost 90% of our natural wetlands. That’s why the Water Rocks! team is passionate about raising awareness about the many wonders of wetlands. We encourage educators, students, and families to get excited about this amazing natural resource, and get engaged by learning about how to help bring wetlands back!
Video Resources
Music Videos
Additional Educational Videos
- Adventures of the Conservation Pack, Episode 4 (Grades K-5)
- Adventures of the Conservation Pack, Episode 10 (Grades K-5)
- Incredible Wetlands (Culture of Conservation series) (Grades 6-12)
Enhanced Learning Activities
Elementary
- Wetlands Have Real Important Jobs To Do worksheet (Grades K-2)
- Worksheet Answer Key (Grades K-2)
- Wetlands Have Real Important Jobs To Do worksheet (Grades 3-5)
- Worksheet Answer Key (Grades 3-5)
- Wetlands Are Like Sponges (Grades 3-5)
- “My Wetland Coloring Book” from America’s Wetland Foundation (Grades K-2)
- “The Water Bank” comic strip from World Wetlands Day (Grades 3-5)
Middle School & High School
- Culture of Conservation activity workbook -- Wetlands-related activities on pp. 14-15, 27, 39, 41 (Grades 6-12)
Additional Wetlands Resources
Resources for Elementary
- Ducks Unlimited’s Teacher’s Guide to Wetland Activities
- Wetlands Are Wonderlands! Lesson plan for grades 5-6 from Miami University of Ohio
- National Science Teachers Association’s guide for aligning the above lesson plan with NGSS standards
America’s Wetland Foundation’s Teachers Resources webpage