Exploring the Everglades: Florida's River of Grass

Introduction

Explore the Florida Everglades, a one-of-a-kind natural wonder.

Guiding Questions:

Why are the Everglades special among world ecosystems?
How does its location, the weather, and the people who live nearby shape the Everglades?
Why is it so essential to protect and restore the Everglades?

Learning Objectives:

Students will locate the Everglades on a map and describe its physical features (Florida SS.1.G.1.1, SS.1.G.1.4, SS.3.G.1.5)
Students will explain how weather and the physical environment affect the Everglades and the people who live nearby (SS.1.G.1.6)
Students will analyze the impact of human activity on the Everglades and propose solutions for conservation.

Task

Your group will explore the Everglades.

Your mission is to:

Research the location/geolocial setting, ecosystem/environment, and challenges that the Everglades face.
Create a narrated PowerPoint presentation (6–8 slides) that answers the guiding questions.
Present your PowerPoint to the class, including at least one action that will help protect the Everglades.

Process

Make a group of 3 to 4 students. Choose one job for each of you:

Geographer: Maps and physical features

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E72IwWKR5K0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTxegSipbTA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9gIyZ4RhoQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVDPXIt7O2M

https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/maps.htm

https://en-gb.topographic-map.com/map-3z5k18/Everglades-National-Park/

https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/map-everglades-national-park

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everglades_National_Park

https://www.usgs.gov/geology-and-ecology-of-national-parks/geology-and-hydrology-everglades-national-park

https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/mapsandnavigation.htm

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Current-map-showing-the-segmentation-of-the-Everglades-in-southern-Florida-The-Kissimmee_fig2_318497198

Ecologist: Plants, animals, and habitats

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kalxbuN3oMs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE8f64qGbio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKvDY7it7Us

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGmaeRIk5JU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCPeeDpYsrQ

https://libguides.nova.edu/envs3170/websites

https://www.evergladesfoundation.org/everglades-ecology?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13513402480&gbraid=0AAAAABcDl6Hx-IbSwjK69GToFNS2DNuA1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw953DBhCyARIsANhIZoazDqOtfKyXo5Q73ZmS4U5Oyp-TMHUi4SL3kCIsxV17STKE08644RcaAqX1EALw_wcB

https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/plants.htm

Historian: Human impact and conservation efforts

https://florida.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/female-heroes-conservation-marjorie-sd-video/ken-burns-the-national-parks/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNXcmBeA944

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRkUW6BuOxk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiXMEDDPVpA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPmzq6fLKAw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ynqy9uTTm0o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLEBPoWQq7Q&t=42s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI95mMTEYaE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VslUYkiBWI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgTG-a_URKU

https://www.pbs.org/video/how-giant-pythons-became-floridas-biggest-invasive-species-dztntj/

https://www.pbs.org/video/the-everglades-32zsvz/ https://www.nwf.org/Our-Work/Waters/Great-Waters-Restoration/Everglades

https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/southflorida/regions/everglades/threats/

https://home.nps.gov/ever/learn/historyculture/consefforts.htm

https://www.evergladesfoundation.org/everglades-ecology

https://conservancy.org/everglades-restoration/

https://www.everglades.org/

Presenter/Designer: Puts slides together and narrates the presentation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYbJQYgLxXE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J07x3jXAbiI

Evaluation

Conclusion

You are going to find out that there is no place on earth like our Everglades. You will discover so much more about its incredibly special and unique location, habitat, and challenges. You'll understand why the Everglades has the nickname "River of Grass!" You will understand how the flow of the water affects all of us in South Florida, how it has changed, and why. You will discover the features of each habitat and the incredible plants and wildlife it supports. You will make connections with the history of the Everglades and its evolution as the planet becomes more populated. Finally, you will see how crucial it is to protect its ecosystem for our native wildlife and all people.

Enrichment Activity:

Create a Florida Everglades Wetlands Animal Habitat Diorama

Objective:

Design and build a 3D diorama that shows the animal and plant life of the Florida Everglades wetlands. Your model should include features, at least three animals, two plants, and a landform found in the Everglades.

Materials Needed

Shoebox or cereal box (for the base)
Construction paper, paint, or markers
Glue, tape, and scissors
Natural items (pebbles, moss, twigs, sand)
Small plastic animal figures or printed animal pictures
Craft supplies (cotton balls, pipe cleaners, modeling clay, etc.)
Labels or index cards for names
Optional: clear plastic wrap (for water), blue cellophane, or foil

Step-by-Step Directions

Research the Everglades
- Look up pictures and information about the Everglades’ animals, plants, and landforms.
- Choose at least three animals (e.g., alligator, heron, otter) and two plants (e.g., sawgrass, cypress tree) to include.
Prepare the Box
- Turn your box on its side so the opening faces you.
- Paint or cover the inside with construction paper to create a background: blue for water, green for plants, brown for land.
Create the Landscape
- Use natural items or craft materials to build up the land and water areas.
- For water, use blue paper, foil, or plastic wrap. For land, use sand, dirt, or brown paper.
- Add features like logs, rocks, or small “trees” made from twigs and moss.
Add Plants and Animals
- Place your chosen animals in the diorama. Use plastic figures, draw and cut out pictures, or make them from clay.
- Add your selected plants using real materials, paper, or clay.
- Arrange everything to look like a real Everglades scene.
Label the Features
- Make small labels for each animal, plant, and landform. Attach them neatly in your diorama.
Write a Short Description
- On an index card or small paper, write 4–5 sentences describing your diorama:
  - Name the habitat (Florida Everglades Wetlands).
  - List the animals and plants you included.
  - Describe one special feature of the Everglades.
  - Explain why this habitat is important.
Present Your Diorama
- Be ready to show your diorama to the class and explain what you included and why.

Tips for Success

Be creative! Use recycled materials and items from nature.
Make sure your diorama is neat and sturdy.
Double-check that you have at least three animals, two plants, and one landform.
Use your research to make your model as accurate as possible.

Optional Extension:

Take a photo of your finished diorama and write a paragraph about what you learned about the Everglades ecosystem.