Third graders in Rebekah Morse’s class at Polk Central Elementary recently welcomed Champions for Wildlife for a hands-on lesson about freshwater mussels and their role in healthy rivers and streams.
Students learned that freshwater mussels act as natural filters, removing particles from the water as they feed. A single mussel can filter gallons of water in a day.
To help students visualize that process, Champions for Wildlife led a hands-on filtration activity using sand, gravel and other natural materials.
Students built their own filtration systems and observed how different materials can help remove particles from water.
The lesson gave students a closer look at an often-overlooked part of freshwater ecosystems while connecting science concepts with the rivers and streams around them.
