Reviewed by Debby Chessin
Associate Professor of Elementary Science and Math Education
WOW!:The Wonders of Wetlands is an exciting and complete educational resource book of background material for teachers who are preparing wetland study units. The book features discussions of the physical science, chemistry, and biology of wetlands as well as their socioeconomic benefits. Other chapters address the topics of management and action for wetlands. This book focuses on easy-to-follow, hands-on/minds-on activities that encourage students to use higher-order thinking skills as they collect data and make conclusions. The activities also develop students’ beliefs about the nature of science and teach the importance of science literacy and good citizenship through community involvement.
The dozens of wetland activities for K-12 students cover a wide range of topics and skills. Appropriate learning levels are listed for each activity, as are the disciplines each activity addresses. Each activity also includes the location in which to conduct the activity, objectives and assessment, skills to be applied during the activity, and concepts associated with other WOW! activities that can be addressed prior to, together with, and as an extension to the activity.
I especially appreciate the way that the activities follow the inquiry model in very real-life settings. Students and teachers alike will learn content, develop process skills, and acquire an appreciation for the value of the wetlands. As students develop an awareness of the unique ecological contribution of these environments, they also gain experience in taking action to conserve wetland areas.
Vocabulary is enforced throughout. The descriptive plant keys are outstanding, and the series of keying exercises are an excellent way to address this concept area found in many state assessment objectives and the national standards. Materials listed in this book are relatively easy to obtain and practical. As a resource for teachers, this book has many copyable worksheets (with specific permission to copy them) and identification cards featuring the different animal and plant species specific to wetlands. Just laminate, locate your local wetlands, and learn!
Review posted on 10/17/2000
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