Dabblers and Divers: Wisconsin Waterfowl Lesson Plan

Grades: 8 - 12
Length of Program: 45 minutes - 1 hour
Time of Year: Year round
Preferred Adult/ Student Ratio: 1/10

Summary:

Wisconsin is home to more than 20 different kinds of ducks. Through the use of waterfowl specimens and a habitat hike, students will come to understand Wisconsin s waterfowl and their management.

Teacher Preparation:

None

Academic Standards Addressed:

Science
F.8.2 Show how organisms have adapted structures to match their functions

Special Instructions:

None

Materials:

• Various waterfowl skins

Procedure:

Through a classroom-style presentation, provide an introduction to the different waterfowl groups, such as dabblers, divers, mergansers and sea ducks, and their adaptations. Then give a species by species account on diagnostic field marks, life histories, population sizes and distribution throughout the state. Also talk about species occurrence within Horicon Marsh. A follow-up hike will look at habitat management for waterfowl at Horicon Marsh and other similar properties.

Wrap-up:

Review the importance of Horicon Marsh and other wetlands to waterfowl as well as other marshland wildlife.

Contact Information

Bill Volkert
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area
N7728 Hwy 28
Horicon, WI 53032
(920) 387-7860

Questions for Wildlife Management