Watershed Curriculum Introduction:
This curriculum is designed for grades 3-5 to help students develop a better understanding of the importance of Hawai‘i’s watersheds as a natural resource. They will learn about plants and their function in ecosystems. Students will learn about the role trees play in the water cycle (cloud capture, evaporation, transpiration, erosion, and aquifer recharge). They will learn where their water comes from (forest to tap). They will learn and explore the Hawaiians’ management of watershed resources through the ahupua‘a system. They will learn about the threats to our forested watersheds including invasive species and human activities.
This is perfect for distance learning or download the PP and make it your own! Each lesson includes a pre-recorded video presentation (PP available for download) and is accompanied by a 45 minute activity and fun games & worksheets using terms learned. There is also an expanded activity at the end of each lesson for advanced or older students.
Lesson 1: Plants
Students will participate in their own ahupua‘a system by preparing for a voyage. They will determine what supplies they may need and in which region of the ahupua’a they should go to gather their supplies.
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Lesson 2: Watersheds
Students will make a model of a watershed. They will observe how surface water flow is determined by the shape of the land. Students will visually observe the physical characteristics of a watershed, and investigate the impacts of human land use decisions.
Lesson 3: Hawaiian Land Divisions
Students will participate in their own ahupua‘a system by preparing for a voyage. They will determine what supplies they may need and in which region of the ahupua’a they should go to gather their supplies.
Lesson 4: Threats
Students will choose an invasive species in Hawai‘i using the Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council website. They will find out how the species was introduced. Students will deduce what harm it causes (health, environment, economy, quality of life), what layer/s in the forests it invades, how it impacts the watershed, and what are possible solutions to solve the problem.
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