Life in Our Watersheds: Investigating Vernal Pools

Contact Information

Phone: 916-719-4854

Email: info@sacsplash.org

Street Address: 4370 School Road
Mather, California 95655

Last Updated: 02-22-2005

Compendium Resource

Reviewer Comments

General Content
Very comprehensive in its approach.

"An in-depth study of one ecosystem."

Presentation
"Individual photographs of vernal pool plants and animals are laminated."

"A very beautiful presentation with a colorful, laminated field guide."

"Overheads are nicely done."

Pedagogy
"Needs less data and more environmental education."

Teacher Usability
Lighter weight binders would be helpful.

"Need access to vernal pools."

Focus on Communities
"Information is geared for use in Sacramento County, but the specifics on vernal pools are relevant to anyone studying these fragile systems."

EE Program/Resource ss Details

Provided by: Sacramento Splash

Description: Life in Our Watersheds: Investigating Vernal Pools (2001) features the The Mystery of Vernal Pools video and three binders of material produced by Sacramento Splash, a watershed education program jointed sponsored by a consortium of water agencies in Sacramento County. The Critter Catalog offers 37 laminated pages that feature a full-color photograph and descriptive information on a life form found in vernal pools. The Flower Facts binder offers 41 laminated pages that feature a full-color photograph and descriptive information on vernal pool flowers arranged according to color. The Teacher's Manual (69 p. plus appendices) provides 13 lessons based on watersheds, vernal pool ecology, the three phases of a vernal pool ecosystem, development of a classroom laboratory to raise fairy shrimp, vernal pool plants and wildlife, water quality, and environmental stewardship. Extensive appendices are also included. Activities are aligned with California Content Standards in Science, English-Language Arts, and Mathematics.

Web Address: http://www.sacsplash.org/

Program/Resource Type: Curriculum, Video/Audio Tapes

Audience Served: 4, 5, 6

Cost: Free of charge to Sacramento teachers and available at www.sacsplash.org

EE Focus: Ecosystems-Watershed, Ecosystems-Wetlands, Land Use, Plants & Animals, Stewardship, Water

Academic Focus: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science

Counties Served: Sacramento, Statewide

View Sample Pages (PDF)

Report Card

Overall Grade
General Content
Presentation
Pedagogy
Teacher Usability
Community

B
B
B
B
B+
B

Discipline Emphasis

Science
History/Social Science
Health
Mathematics
Visual/Performing Arts
Language Arts
Industrial/Vocational Ed.
Foreign Language