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The Baylands unit is a Palo Alto Unified School District unit, written
by Palo Alto Teachers. In this unit students are asked to consider two
overarching questions. Does the loss of wetlands from the Ohlone Days
to now create a problem for the Baylands habitats and for us? How do
people create balance between environmental needs and human needs?
Students will
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Learn that the Baylands include a variety of habitats—homes for living things which provide the resources they need to
survive—air, water, food, shelter, and space. |
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Learn that an estuary is a semi-enclosed bay where
fresh and salt water mix providing a unique collection of habitats. |
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Learn that the Baylands plants and animals are interdependent.
They are part of a food web. |
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Discover that brine shrimp have unique characteristics
which can be observed. They have a range of tolerance for egg hatching. |
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Observe and describe characteristics and behaviors
of brine shrimp, along with other marsh plants and animals. |
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Communicate observations through writing and discussion. |
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Collect, analyze, and draw conclusions from
data. |
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Develope enthusiasm and appreciation for learning
about habitats and the living things that occupy them |
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Recognizing that humans can alter a habitat’s balance
in both positive and negative ways. |
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Gain an appreciation for the variety of plants
and animals that are interdependent and share a particular environment. |
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Realize that people can actively work to maintain
balance between environmental needs and human needs. |
Storyline
This graphic is intended to help teachers focus on the big idea of the unit,
and the concepts that help students understand the big idea. Note that each
lesson is matched with the concept it develops. Baylands
Storyline 
Kit
Replacement Items
Order Form
IMC Materials
PAUSD teachers can place an online order for materials from the IMC/AV
Baylands Collection. (You will need your Library ID Number,
available from your site librarian.)
Field Trips
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Windows to our Watershed
The Santa Clara County Office of Education offers Windows to our Watershed. This
field trip begins with a brief ecological introduction to the area, interactive
activities, and engaging field studies. The program is offered on site (which
targets school sites that have a stream, creek or pond within walking distance)
or off-site (which will be conducted at a slough or wetland near the school).
The on-site investigation is $75/class for 1.5 hours and the off-site investigation
is $125/class for 2.5 hours. Schools may select either program or participate
in both. (flyer attached) For questions and scheduling, contact Walden West
Science Center at 408-867-5950. Flyer |
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Growing Gardens for Growing Minds
The Santa Clara Office of Education offers a garden outreach program correlated
with our science units for $75 per class. See the flyer for
more information. For questions and scheduling contact Walden West Science
Center at 408-867-5905. |
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Regional Water Quality Control Plant
Free classroom programs and a field trip to tour the water treatment plant. See
the flyer for
more information. Email the school
program coordinators for more information and scheduling. |
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