Science

: Estuary Ecology

44k

Approach: One to one

Level: Year 4 & year 8

Resources:

Video showing two children looking at an estuary, featuring wildlife and some evidence of pollution.

Download the videoclip 3.9meg (requires QuickTime plug-in)

Questions / instructions:
An estuary is where a river meets the sea. In this activity we are going to look at a short video about an estuary.
Show video.

% responses

1. We've been looking at pictures of an estuary. Estuaries have some special features.
What special features did you notice about the estuary?

bird life
vegetation
river meeting sea
other
Overall: features rated good

59
11
24
2
5

84
37
27
8
18

2. In the video, Johnny said the estuary stank.
Why do you think the estuary might have a bad smell?

pollution & decay
decay
pollution
Overall: reasons rated good

1
6
48
4

4
11
54
21

3. Johnny said they should fill the estuary in and build houses or factories there.
Matthew didn't agree.
What would be the advantages of filling in the estuary or putting some buildings there?

Advantages:

space to build
improved environment

21
9

40
18

4. What would be the disadvantages of filling in the estuary or putting some buildings there?

Main disadvantages:

displaced birds/animals
problems with drainage for river
decreased beauty

20
34
10

62
43
14

5. What is your opinion about what should happen to the estuary?

If you had to explain your reasons to Johnny and Matthew, what would you tell them, so that they would understand your opinion?

Arguments rated good

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