Wisconsin's Water History and Water Cycles

The activities we provide here are for students in the 4th Grade, providing Wisconsin's water history and explaining the water cycle.

Working with Water – Wisconsin Waterways

Explore the history of Wisconsin by investigating early travel on riverways. Students will compare historic river travel and contemporary highway travel in Wisconsin Travel Then and Now [PDF 808KB] by the Wisconsin Historical Society – Office of School Services. Visit the Wisconsin Historical Society Working with Water: Wisconsin Waterways [exit DNR] Web site for more water history activities.

Fishing Village

Explore the historic, cultural and economic significance of fishing in Wisconsin when you discover this Angler Education Program's (AEP's) Fishing Village [PDF 560KB] activity.

Head for the Water

Water played a huge role in the settlement of Wisconsin. How has settlement affected fisheries and water resources? Find out how in AEP's Head for the Water [PDF 538KB].

Waterlogs

Enjoy a great adventure story and find out why it is important to record your own thoughts, feelings, and observations. Get started keeping your own journal and recording your impressions of Wisconsin waters in Waterlogs [PDF 133KB], a Great Lakes ParkPacks (GLPP) activity.

Incredible Journey

Students use a die to help them gain an understanding of the water cycle. Their Incredible Journey [exit DNR, PDF 488KB] is then written in a journal that describes their adventure. This >Project WET activity is designed for upper elementary and middle school students.

How Big Is A Crowd?

This interactive activity provides a great visual model of the Great Lakes and some of its characteristics. In How Big is a Crowd [exit DNR] students use ropes to form the shapes of the Great Lakes and then use charted information to visually portray population and fish production. Students can add other components to this Ohio Sea Grant Education Program activity.

More about Water

Learn about water cycles and groundwater on EEK!, DNR's environmental education site for kids and teachers.

Angler Education Program Activities

These activities are taken from Wisconsin's Angler Education program materials. Teachers, youth leaders, and fishing club leaders can gain access to the complete set of materials, loaner fishing gear and other support materials by attending a volunteer instructor-training workshop. Find out more about Wisconsin’s Angler Education program.

GLPP – Great Lakes Parks Packs Activities

The Great Lakes are so big — you can see them from outer space! But, the cool thing is, they are right in Wisconsin's backyard — close enough to visit and explore. Next time you visit a state park or forest that borders Lake Michigan or Lake Superior, ask to borrow the new Great Lakes ParkPacks. Each pack takes a unique look at the Great Lakes through books, exploring tools, field guides, games, and other materials. Through the activities, kids will discover the lakes, splash in the water, and find out how to be responsible caretakers of this great resource. For more information about ParkPacks, contact Beth Mittermaier.