Wetlands
A wetland is a land area that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, such that it takes on the characteristics of a distinct ecosystem. Primarily, the factor that distinguishes wetlands from other land forms or water bodies is the characteristic vegetation that is adapted to its unique soil conditions: Wetlands consist primarily of hydric soil, which supports aquatic plants.
The water found in wetlands can be saltwater, freshwater, or brackish. Main wetland types include swamps, marshes, bogs and fens.
Wetlands play a number of roles in the environment, principally water
purification, flood control, and shoreline stability. Wetlands are also
considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems, serving
as home to a wide range of plant and animal life.
For this experiment, we wanted students to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of how they take pollutants out of the water through filtration. By creating a hands on activity, we hoped that students would develop hypothesis' about the materials used in a wetland filter and through experimentation could adjust their design and develop a deeper understanding of how wetlands filter water.
The water found in wetlands can be saltwater, freshwater, or brackish. Main wetland types include swamps, marshes, bogs and fens.
Wetlands play a number of roles in the environment, principally water
purification, flood control, and shoreline stability. Wetlands are also
considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems, serving
as home to a wide range of plant and animal life.
For this experiment, we wanted students to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of how they take pollutants out of the water through filtration. By creating a hands on activity, we hoped that students would develop hypothesis' about the materials used in a wetland filter and through experimentation could adjust their design and develop a deeper understanding of how wetlands filter water.