Introduction: A typical day paddling through the Altamaha River estuary

You are introduced to each lesson plan through a written narrative that takes you on a virtual tour of each river section, e.g. Estuaries. During your virtual paddle, you will encounter links that provide more information about the river section's ecology. Throughout the lesson plan we emphasize the complex and fragile balance of the ecosystem and the far-reaching impacts of human activities to the watershed.

We intend to write lesson plans for all the major river sections within the Altamaha River watershed. The lesson plans will be organized as Unit Plans according to the geography of the river sections (or another relevant trait, such as relative degree of urbanization).

I. What is an Estuary?

     Altamaha River and its Watershed

     Water Cycle

     Tides

II. Major Concepts

     A. Climate
               i. Definition
               ii. Temperature and rainfall in Georgia
               iii. Activities

     B. Geology
               i. Definition
               ii. Effects of geology and topography on river systems
               iii. Geology of the Altamaha River watershed
               iv. Activities

     C. Hydrology - Surface Water
               i. Definition
               ii. An ever-changing river: effects of weather, seasons, and tides
               iii. Water level and salinity
               iv. Water flow speed, discharge, and sediment load
               iv. Activities

    D. Hydrology - Groundwater
               i. Definition
               ii. Recharge and the water table
               iii. Managing groundwater, wells
               iv. Threats to the groundwater supply
               v. Activities
                     Managing wells within the Altamaha River watershed region

      E. Ecological Habitats
               i. Aquatic Habitat
                  a. Definition and description
                  b. Variation in water height, salinity, and temperature
                  c. Estuary is partly submerged
                  d. Activities

               ii. Upland Habitat
                  a. Definition and description
                  b. Activities

     F. Animals and Plants
               i. Natural histories and life cycles of selected species
               ii. Special interest stories
               iii. Lists of common and rare species
               iv. Activities
                       Migratory Birds and the Estuary

     G.Ecological Processes
               i. Definitions
               ii. Primary production and decomposition
               iii. Herbivory, Carnivory, Omnivory
               iv. Recycling of organic matter and nutrients
               v. Activities
                      Food Webs

     H. Socioeconomic Values of the Estuary

      I. Effects of Human Impacts and Pollution on the Ecology of the Estuary
               i. Direct
               ii. Indirect

     J. Management Issues
               i. Lower watershed
                  a. Effects of local industry, timber/pulp plants
                  b. Boat Traffic
                  c. Effects of introduced species
               ii. Upper watershed
                  a. Growth, development and urbanization: erosion and sediment
               iii. Activities

III Related Service-Learning Projects