On-Water Ecology
We believe that there is no better way to increase awareness of lake issues and encourage active participation in the lake’s stewardship than to get out on the water. Our On-Water Ecology programs are offered throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons; when students collect samples, take measurements, and make detailed observations about what they experience, we are encouraging the next generation of lake stewards.
Presented here are four modules that focus on a specific aspect of the watershed’s ecology and history. They are designed to support the academic content before and after an On-Water Ecology fieldtrip, but these lesson plans can also be very effective on their own:
- Natural History and Geology: reading the geological and fossil records
- Human Impact on Lake Champlain: the intended and unintended changes to natural ecosystems brought on by human habitation.
- Interaction with Wildlife: exploring the worlds of fish, birds and waterfowl, reptiles, amphibians, rodents and other water-friendly mammals.
- Invasive Species: their origin, impact, and mitigation
Each module emphasizes the overarching values of watershed stewardship and “low impact” scientific ethics. These include responsible specimen collection and handling of flora and fauna, identification of plants and animals, archaeological ethics, safety on the water, and “leave no trace” ethics and practices.
Lesson Plans
Each lesson plan is listed below, or download the entire On-Water Ecology Rescources as a PDF
Natural History and Geology: reading the geological and fossil records
- Rock Cycle
- Rocks of the Champlain Valley
- Identifying Rocks
- Online Rock Identification Key
- How Fossils Form
- Identifying Fossils
Human Impact on Lake Champlain: the intended and unintended changes to natural ecosystems brought on by human habitation.
- Footprints Around the Lake
- Human Footprints on the Environment
- Settling Jar – Water Quality
- Water Quality Testing
- Changing With the Times
- Land Use – Shoreline of Champlain
Interaction with Wildlife: exploring the worlds of fish, birds and waterfowl, reptiles, amphibians, rodents and other water-friendly mammals.
Invasive Species: their origin, impact, and mitigation
We are grateful to the Lake Champlain Basin Program and the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, whose support has allowed this project to be free of charge.