Experience Armand Bayou aboard the "Bayou Ranger" pontoon boat, explore the estuarine habitat of Armand Bayou and discuss factors influencing its health and importance. Through seining and near-shore activities, discover the diverse populations of animals and plants that call the bayou home.
Grades 7th - College ~ Duration 3.5 Hours ~ Group Limit is Minimum 8 ~ Fee $35.00/participant (children & adults)
Objectives
Students will:
Describe the factors that influence the salinity of the bayou.
Explain why estuarine habitats are important.
Test the water quality of the bayou using scientific equipment.
Examine animals found in and along the bayou.
List human-made stresses that threaten the balance of the bayou ecosystem.
Practice observation skills.
Vocabulary
Bayou - a channel of water that flows slowly in both directions, depending on the tide and wind
Brackish water - a mixture of salt and fresh water
Diversity - variety of species in a given area
Estuary - regions of interaction between rivers and near-shore ocean waters, were tidal action and river flow create a mixing of fresh and salt water
Ecosystem - An ecosystem is a complex, dynamic system that functions as a whole. An ecosystem is a natural unit and its size can be as small as a drop of water or as large as the Earth. Ecosystems consist of the interactions between organisms and between organisms and physical components, in which materials are exchanged following closed paths.
Salinity - salt content of water
Turbidity - measure of the clarity of water; how much turbulence or activity (tides, wind, etc.)
Programs are adjusted to be age appropriate. All programs address the TEKS goal of engaging students in hands-on investigations of the natural world.
For specific, grade-level TEKS that may be included in our programs, see our TEKS chart below.
Pre and Post Trip Materials (PDF Format)