|
Environmental Stewardship
Environmental Stewardship…an Outward Bound value that we embrace on Thompson
Island…and hands-on learning…allows students to participate in their role
of stewards the environment.
In addition to the ecological benefits, the salt marsh restoration project
provides important and unique educational opportunities. Because of its
prime location in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area, Thompson
Island has high visibility for educators and visitors to the Park. Thompson
Island Outward Bound, as landowner and project sponsor, is ideally suited
to incorporate educational activities in its programming for the variety
of young people and groups that visit the island.
Developed by Massachusetts Audubon, the salt marsh monitoring curriculum
is available for student groups participating in Thompson Island Outward
Bound’s Environment Program. This curriculum provides hands-on learning
in science, as students help monitor the salt marsh as it evolves back to
a fully functioning marsh. Data is collected on salinity, vegetation surrounding
the salt marsh, fish species in the salt marsh, and birds activity in the
area.
The Salt Marsh Restoration Curriculum helps students to answer questions…
- What are the characteristics of a salt marsh?
- How do changes in salinity and water level affect fish and vegetation?
- What human actions result in the growth of Phramites?
- What negative impacts do humans have on a wetland’s ecosystem?
- What characteristics are helpful in identifying fish and plants?
- What are effective ways of organizing and representing scientific
data?
The Salt Marsh Restoration Curriculum helps students learn hands-on skills:
- Identify phragmites and other marsh plants
- Use a map, a refractometer, a transit tape, a cylinder and other
scientific tools
- Formulate hypotheses on amounts of fish trapped in different regions
of the salt marsh
- Compare actual fish with detailed diagrams
- Check the salinity of the salt marsh in different areas
- Collect and share data
- Listen and follow directors
- Work cooperatively in a group
- Sketch and draw features of the salt marsh
For more information on environmental programs for youth, call 617-830-5116.
|
