Riparian Rx (prescription)

Riparian Rx (prescription) connects the watershed with its terrestrial residents. In this station, students study and evaluate the riparian ecosystem's flora, fauna, soil and the geomorphology that influences the watershed.

NGSS: HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS4-6, HS-LS4-5, HS-ESS2-5, HS-ESS3-1WA SCIENCE Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs): 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.2

Objectives

Students will be able to:

List the functions and adaptations of riparian plants
Discuss the benefits of a riparian area to its watershed
Record flora and fauna data on a survey form
Describe the cultural uses of certain plants
List ways the geomorphology of the area formed the watershed
Illustrate stream and valley types

Concepts

Adaptation
Flora-fauna-land watershed interrelationships
Function of riparian areas
Stream bank restoration
Cultural uses of plants

Teachers

Classroom Materials

Classroom Pre-work Activities:

Classroom Cover (PDF)- Students will estimate percent cover in the classroom, using existing classroom items.
Plants With a Purpose (PDF)- Students will learn some different adaptations of riparian vs. upland plant species, and describe traditional medicinal uses of selected plants.
The Water, Land, and Plant Connection (PDF)- Students will explore the characteristics of specific stream channels and valley types, and list ways that flora and fauna habitat are determined by geomorphologic processes.

Activity Leaders

Field Day Materials

Riparian RX Student Worksheet (PDF)

Virtual Lesson

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"The very uprightedness of the pines and maples asserts the ancient rectitude and vigor of nature."- Henry David Thoreau