Lesson plans

The St. Johns River Water Management District has collected or written the following kindergarten through 12th-grade lesson plans to assist educators in teaching various aspects of water resources. The lessons are correlated to the Florida Standards and may be adapted to suit your particular teaching environment.

Rough fish harvest at Lake George, Florida

This teaching tool for Florida educators describes the science behind harvesting gizzard shad to directly remove thousands of pounds of nutrient pollution from Lake George, which helps improve water quality and reduce the severity of algal blooms in the lower St. Johns River.

7 minutes, 21 seconds

Water Pollution: The Dirty Details

Explains about the kinds of water pollution and how the district and others are working to reduce the amount of pollutants going into our waterways. Gives tips for individuals to reduce their harmful impacts on surface waters.

7 minutes, 21 seconds

Watersheds: Our neighborhoods and beyond

Video is an overview of pollutants that impact our waterways and how individuals can reduce their impacts. A presenter works with students using a hands-on model to illustrate concepts.

10 minute, 40 seconds

Prescribed fire: A versatile land management tool

Fire has always been a part of nature in Florida, and most species depend on it for survival. District land managers conduct periodic “prescribed fires” as a safe way to apply a natural process to ensure ecosystem health to meet the needs of many plants and animals while also reducing the threat of wildfires.

2 minutes, 17 seconds

Florida’s Aquifer: The Treasure Below

Explains how Florida’s aquifer system formed.

5 minutes, 31 seconds

Critters in the water and what they tell us

The creatures that live in stormwater ponds and natural waterways give scientists insight into water quality. This video provides an overview of those creatures.

1 minute, 28 seconds

Macroinvertebrates

Studying macroinvertebrates is one indicator used by scientists to determine water quality in stormwater ponds and natural waterways. Educators and others who work with students can use this hands-on exercise to expand learning outside the classroom by following the simple steps outlined in this video.

2 minutes, 59 seconds