8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
1/84
Second Edition 2008
Teachers Guide
for
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
2/84
This Teachers Guide was created to be used in conjunction with the Cherry Creek Valley
Ecological Park Activity Book (or Activity Book). Each page of the Teachers Guide:
graphically shows two pages of the Activity Book,includes the Activity Book narrative for the two Activity Book pages,
provides information that expands upon the Activity Book narrative,
provides sources of the additional information, and
lists additional activities that coincide with the Activity Book pages.
The Activity Book was designed with exibility in mind. It is divided into ve sections:
history, seasons, animals, plants, and water. Educators may decide to go through each section
in order or choose an order that is more in line with their curriculum.
The Teachers Guide and the Activity Book are tools to help educators and students
understand and appreciate the Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park. These books helpeducators integrate the Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park into their curriculum. Many of
the activities can be taught at the park as well as in the classroom. Educators are encouraged
to visit the Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park with their students so that each student can
experience rst hand what they learn in the Activity Book.
It is our hope that these books will not only bring people in touch with the beauty of the
Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park, but that they will also make people aware of our
essential role in protecting our riparian environments from destruction. Education is the rst
step. With tools like this Teachers Guide and the Activity Book, we can prepare the coming
generations to be good stewards of our life-giving creeks, streams, and rivers.
About the Teachers Guide and Activity Book
The Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book and accompanying Teachers Guide
were designed for Parker Jordan Metropolitan District by Valerian llc. Booklets are being paid
for by the Parker Jordan Metropolitan District with public funds. Please contact
R.S. Wells LLC, District Manager, phone 303-779-4525 if there are any questions or concerns.
This book is intended to be used for educational purposes only and may be reproduced or
disseminated only with the prior written consent of the Board of Directors for the Parker Jordan
Metropolitan District, Arapahoe County, Colorado.
Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park is owned and managed by
Arapahoe County Open Space Park and Trails in cooperation with
Parker Jordan Metropolitan District.
Copyright 2008 Parker Jordan Metropolitan District
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
3/84
Seasons in the Park 2
Fall Equinox/ Colors of Fall 3
Winter Solstice/ Measuring Your Shadow 4
Spring Equinox/ I Spy! 5Summer Solstice/ Maze 6
Water in the Park 7
The Water Cycle 8
Water Cycle Experiment/ Different Water Bodies 9
Did You Know/ What Needs Water 10
Wildlife in the Park 11
Know Your Animals 12
Match the Tracks/ Where Do They Go? 14
Animal Homes/Draw Your Home 15
Plants in the Park 16
Plant Types/Deciduous Tree Parts 17
Evergreen Tree Parts/My Tree 18
History 19
Long Before People 19
Native Americans 20
Settlers 21
What is Here Today/Biotic or Abiotic 22
Now you Know Your Park!/Eco Word Search 24
Make a Difference/ You Make a Difference 25
Appendix A: Additional Activities
Appendix B: Internet Resources for Supplemental Information
Photocopy-friendly Park Map
Table of Contents
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
4/84
Development of the Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park is an ongoing effort. At the time of
the development of this Teachers Guide, the following amenities had been added to the park:
A man-made pond and dockAn interpretive building
Interpretive stations around the park
Picnic tables
Paved parking lots
Boardwalks and trails connecting all park elements
Happy Canyon Trail
Bridge Crossing
Entry signage and crossing
Creek-side outdoor classroom
Council ring
Trail connection to Red Hawk Ridge Elementary SchoolRestrooms
Further development of the park is underway. In the near future, the following amenities will
be added to the park:
Trail connection to the regional trail system
Restoration work occurs in the park as funding allows. Ongoing projects include
irradication of Russian Olive trees and reseeding of native grasses and forbs. Please be
aware of restoration efforts when visiting the park. While these areas provide educational
opportunities, they are also areas sensitive to foot trafc. Please stay on designated trails and
boardwalks unless posted signs allow visitors to do otherwise.
What is Available in the Park?
Park Rules and RegulationsPlease keep the following rules and regulations in mind when bringing groups of students to
the park.
Do not litter in the park. If you come with a large group, please bring extra trash bags.
Use park trash cans or take your trash with you.
Collection of plant material, animals, rocks, or soil is not allowed in the park.
Do not feed the animals in the park. Their digestive systems are not designed to
handle human food.
Vehicles must stay in the parking lot. Motorized vehicles are not allowed in the park.
Pets must be kept on a leash at all times in the park.
Stay on designated trails and boardwalks unless posted signs allow visitors to do
otherwise or you are with an experienced eld guide.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
5/84
RED HAWK RIDGE
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
CHERRYCREEK
BRONCOS PARKWAY
PROPOSED TAGAWA
ACCESS
E JAMISON DRIVE
S
JASPER
COUR
T
S.LAREDO
ST.
COURTNEY
DOWNS
COMMUNITY
CREEKVIEW AT
RIVER RUN
COMMUNITY
PICNIC TABLES
BOARDWALK
BUS PARKING LOT
PAVED PARKING LOT
ENTRY MONUMENT
RESTROOMS
CHERRY CREEK TRAIL CONNECTION
BRIDGE CROSSING
BENCH AND EDUCATIONAL SIGNAGE
CHERRY CREEK ACCESS POINT
FLOAT DOCK AND MAN-MADE POND
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
GATHERING COUNCIL RING
CHERRY CREEK REGIONAL TRAIL
CHERRY CREEK REGIONAL TRAIL MAP
BENCH AND EDUCATIONAL SIGNAGE
RED HAWK RIDGE TRAIL
CONNECTION
HAPPY CANYON TRAIL
INTERPRETATIVE
BUILDING
Cherry Creek Valley
Ecological Park Map
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
6/84
1
You Are Part of Nature
Do you know what a seed is? Of course you do. And you alsoknow that every seed needs to be planted and nurtured togrow up and be a healthy plant. Well, the same is true for
you and everything else in nature. Nature is made up of allliving things. The universe, earth, plants, and animals areall a part of nature. All living things are divided into two
kingdoms; animals and plants. All animals need food, water,shelter, and habitat to survive. All plants need light, water,soil, and habitat to survive. Come explore the Cherry CreekValley Ecological Park and be sure to s how respect for thepark and the creatures that live here.
1
This is your Activity Book. It will help you learn more aboutthe Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park (Eco Park).
The Eco Park is a place where animals and plants share aplace that provides energy, water, shelter and space. Thisplace is something called an ecosystem.
What is an ecosystem? An ecosystem is a group of plantsand animals that live together in one place. These are specialgroups that have adapted to live together. You are part ofthe ecosystem. To enjoy this park safely please take a fewsimple steps to be prepared:
HatWhistleWaterSnackNotebookPen/Crayon
Stay on the trail unless you are with an adult guide.
Your Activity Book
2
You Are Part of Nature, page 1:Do you know what a seed is? Of course you do. And youalso know that every seed needs to be planted and nurtured to grow up and be a healthyplant. Well, the same is true for you and everything else in nature. Nature is made upof all living things. The universe, earth, plants, and animals are all a part of nature. Allliving things are divided into two kingdoms: animals and plants. All animals need food,water, shelter, and habitat to survive. All plants need light, water, soil, and habitatto survive. Come explore the Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park and be sure to show
respect for the park and the creatures that live here.
Your Activity Book, page 2: This is your Activity Book. It will help you learn more aboutthe Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park (Eco Park).The Eco Park is a place where animals and plants share a place that provides energy,water, shelter, and space. This place is something called an ecosystem.
What is an ecosystem? An ecosystem is a group of plants and animals that live togetherin one place. These are special groups that have adapted to live together. You arepart of the ecosystem. To enjoy this park safely, please take a few simple steps to beprepared:
Hat
WhistleWater
Snack
Notebook
Pen/Crayon
Stay on the trail unless you are with an adult guide.
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
7/84
2
Today is:
3
Seasons in the ParkThe Earth is always moving and changing. The Earth travelsin a circle around the sun. Each trip around the sun takesone year. One way that we can tell the Earth is spinningis by observing day and night. As the earth takes its patharound the sun, sometimes we get more energy from the sun(summer) and sometimes we get less (winter). In Colorado
we have four seasons: fall, winter, spring and summer.
Circle the answer that best fts each question.1. Which season is it now?
A . F al l B . W in ter C . S pr in g D . S umme r
2. The sun is...
A. Shining. B. Covered by clouds.
3. The sun is...
A. high in the sky and warm. B. low in the sky and cool.
4. What do the clouds look like? (Draw a picture below ofwhat you see.)
4
This section of the Activity Book gives an overview of the seasons. Students will
learn about all four seasons and do activities to reinforce events that happen during
each season.
Teacher
Information
Seasons in the Park, page 4:The Earth is always moving and changing. The Earthtravels in a circle around the sun. Each trip around the sun takes one year. One waythat we can tell the Earth is spinning is by observing day and night. As the earth takesits path around the sun, sometimes we get more energy from the sun (summer) andsometimes we get less (winter). In Colorado we have four seasons: fall, winter, spring,and summer.
Circle the answer that best ts each question.1. Which season is it now?A. Fall B. Winter C. Spring D. Summer
2. The sun is...A. Shining. B. Covered by clouds.
3. The sun is...A. high in the sky and warm. B. low in the sky and cool.
4. What do the clouds look like? (Draw a picture below of what you see.)
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
8/84
3
Around September 20th days and nights are of equal length.Days are getting shorter and soon there wont be enoughsunlight to keep the leaves green. Trunks, branches, androots will stay alive and grow new leaves when there is morelight in the spring. Trees and plants adapt to the energyshortage by dropping their leaves. How do you save energy?
Fall Equinox
5
One of the rst signs of fall is that the leaves start tochange color and drop to the ground. Find a leaf and tracethe shape. Use crayons to show the color of fall.
Colors of Fall
6
Sources
http://ccc.atmos.colostate.
edu/climateofcolorado.php
http://www.learninghaven.
com/science/articles/
seasons.htm
http://www.cloudsrus.com/http://www.cet.edu/ete/
modules/k4/
Fall Equinox, page 5:Around September 20th days and nights are of equal length.Days are getting shorter and soon there wont be enough sunlight to keep the leavesgreen. Trunks, branches, and roots will stay alive and grow new leaves when there ismore light in the spring. Trees and plants adapt to the energy shortage by droppingtheir leaves. How do you save energy?
Colors of Fall, page 6: One of the rst signs of fall is that the leaves start to changecolor and drop to the ground. Find a leaf and trace the shape. Use crayons to show thecolor of fall.
Additional Activities in
Appendix A
6. Seeing Eye Buddies (ongoing
throughout the year)
7. Pine Cone Bird Feeder
Fall is the time for animals and plants to get ready for winter. Animals like
squirrels store food, while others like bears eat as much as they can in order
to store fat for hibernation. Shorter days tell trees to store energy for winter,
which causes some trees to stop sending nutrients to their leaves. The end
result is that leaves change colors in the fall. Trees that lose their leaves are
called deciduous trees. Trees that keep their leaves throughout the year and
stay green are called evergreen.
Weather during the fall is usually pleasant with temperatures ranging from
the 70s around the end of summer to the 40s when winter rolls around.
In general, the climate of the Denver area is semi-arid with precipitation
gradually increasing as you go eastward into Kansas and Nebraska (due to
the rain shadow from the mountains). Winters are dry with some very cold
temperatures alternating with some surprisingly warm days. Spring and
summer weather is wetter (70 to 80 percent of the annual total) with highly
changeable weather, often windy, and some occasional thunderstorms.
Across Colorado, climates can vary greatly due to elevation changes. The
difference (35 degrees F) in annual mean temperature between Pikes Peak
and Las Animas, 90 miles to the southeast, is about the same as that betweensouthern Florida and Iceland.
Teacher
Information
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
9/84
4
Around December 20th days are short and nights are thelongest of the year. How do you know when winter is here?The nights are long and the days are short. The sun is low inthe sky. Are we getting much energy from the sun? Manytrees have no leaves. Instead of rain there is snow! When
you are outside on a winter day blow in the air and see your
breath! How do other animals adapt to the winter weather?How do you adapt to winter weather?
Winter Solstice
7
Measuring Your ShadowMaterials:pen or pencilyard stick or measuring tapea friend
Your shadow varies in its size and direction depending on thetime of the day.
Procedure:The rst measurement you take of your shadow shouldbe early in the morning. With the help of a friend, standin a place where it is easy to measure your shadow.Record the measurement in your notebook and note thetime you took the measurement and the direction yourshadow was going.Mid-day take a second measurement of your shadow andrecord the results in your notebook.At the end of the day take a third measurement of yourshadow and record the results in your notebook.
Stand in the same place and face the same direction eachtime.
Conclusion:What are the differences of the 3 recordings?Why do you think they are different?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Time Length of Shadow Direction of Shadow
8
Sources
http://www.zoomschool.com/coloring/Hibernate.shtml
Winter is a result of Earths tilt away from the sun. This causes the days to
become shorter and the temperatures to be colder because we are farther
away from the sun. During the winter, plants and animals need to save
energy and stay warm. The snow makes a blanket that insulates the ground,
protecting it from extreme cold. Some animals, such as bears and bats,
hibernate during the winter to save energy.
Hibernation is when an animal slows its metabolism to a very low level,with body temperature and breathing rates lowered, gradually using up
the body fat reserves stored during the warmer months. Before entering
hibernation, most animals eat a large amount of food and store energy in fat
deposits in order to survive the winter. Some animals, such as birds, even
migrate south in the winter in search of warmer weather and food.
Winter Solistice, page 7: Around December 20th days are short and nights are thelongest of the year. How do you know when winter is here? The nights are long andthe days are short. The sun is low in the sky. Are we getting much energy from thesun? Many trees have no leaves. Instead of rain there is snow! When you are outsideon a winter day blow in the air and see your breath! How do other animals adapt to thewinter weather? How do you adapt to winter weather?
Measuring Your Shadow, page 8: Materials: pen or pencil, yard stick or measuring tape,a friend.You shadow varies in its size and length depending on the time of the day.Procedure:
The rst measurement you take of your shadow should be early in the morning.With the help of a friend, stand in a place where it is easy to measure your shadow.Record the measurement in your notebook and note the time you took themeasurement and the direction your shadow was going.Mid-day take a second measurement of your shadow and record the results in yournotebook.At the end of the day take a third measurement of your shadow and record theresults in your notebook.
Conclusion:
What are the difference of the 3 recordings?Why do you think they are different?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Additional Activities in
Appendix A
8. The Night Tree9. The Earth is Tilted
10. How the Earth Moves Around
the Sun
11. Direct Light Produces More
Heat
Teacher
Information
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
10/84
5
Around March 20th days and nights are of equal length.Spring, leaf, ower, here come the rain showers! In thespring (the Vernal Equinox) days get longer and trees andplants turn green and grow new leaves! The days get warmerand the creek lls with water from rain and snow melt. Songbirds and water birds return to the park and many start toprepare for new babies. Spring is a great time to visit the
park to see everything begin to bloom and grow!
Spring Equinox
Have fun when you visit the Eco Parkbut it is also important to follow theseimportant rules:
Be careful around the open water.Stay on the trails.Try not to disturb animal families,they need their privacy.
9
I Spy!Time to explore new places and things. See how many ofthese things you can fnd. Cross out the items with an X as
you fnd them.
Gazebo
Insect
Bird
Flower
Creek
Leaves
Bridge
Animal Tracks
Boardwalk
10
Sources
http://www.vtaide.com/
png/foodchains.htm
http://www.stoller-eser.
com/trial/colorbook/food_web.html
Spring Equinox, page 9: Around March 20th days and nights are of equal length.Spring, leaf, ower, here come the rain showers! In the spring (the Vernal Equinox) daysget longer and trees and plants turn green and grow new leaves! The days get warmerand the creek lls with water from rain and snow melt. Song birds and water birdsreturn to the park and many start to prepare for new babies. Spring is a great time tovisit the park to see everything begin to bloom and grow!Have fun when you visit the Eco Park but it is also important to follow these important
rules:Be careful around the open water.Stay on the trails.Try not to disturb animal families, they need their privacy.
I Spy!, page 10: Time to explore new places and things. See how many of these thingsyou can nd. Cross out the items with an X as you nd them.
Additional Activities in
Appendix A
12. Food Chain and Webs
13. Create a Food Web
14. All Connected
Spring is the time of year when everything seems to come back to life. The
days are longer so plants begin to come out of dormancy. The trees bud, the
grass turns green, and the owers bloom. Animals come out of hibernation
and start foraging for food, birds return and begin making new nests, the sh
make visits to the surface of the water, and people come to the park to enjoythe warm weather.
Spring is a great time to observe the web of life and to see how everything
in our environment is connected. Within each ecosystem, organisms can
be grouped into trophic (feeding) levels. Species at one level provide life
energy (food) for the species in the next level. Producers produce their own
food and serve mostly as food for others. Consumers mostly eat or consume
animals and plants, and decomposers help break down, or decompose, all
dead materials. Plants are producers. Consumers include large animals
like deer and mountain lions, or smaller species such as lizards and mice.
Decomposers are mostly small microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria.
It is important to realize that while one species might be a consumer some
of the time, it may itself be food at another time. The biggest predator may
someday be food for the smallest decomposer. The relationships are not
simple and direct because they continuously evolve.
Teacher
Information
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
11/84
6
After spring comes summer! Around June 20th days arethe longest of the year and the nights are the shortest.One sign that summer is here is that days are long and hotbecause the sun is high in the sky. All energy comes fromthe sun. Plants get energy from the sun. Animals get energyfrom the plants and other animals they eat. Summer is agood time to bring your energy to the Eco Park.
Summer Solstice
11
Bees are very important to our ecosystem because theypollinate trees, owers, and other plants which produce foodfor us to eat. Without bees and other pollinators, therewould be no food available for us to eat. Other pollinatorsare ies, wasps, butteries, moths, birds, and bats. Help thebee nd his way to the Wild Plum blossom.
12
Summer is the hottest time of year and when everything in the environment
is in full swing. This is a good time of year to explore the outdoors and see
how humans t in. Our environment provides us with the most basic human
needs such as food, shelter, medicine, fresh air, and water. In addition,
humans have used a wide variety of plant and animal species to produce
forms of transportation, musical instruments, tools, weapons, food holders,
and many other products. In general, people enjoy spending time outdoorsand many feel that each species in our environment should be respected
and protected simply because it exists. For these reasons we should do what
we can to protect our environment. Everything (animals, plants, weather,
seasons, food cycles, etc.) works together and humans are a big part of it.
With a little care we can make a big difference and protect places like the
Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park for people in the future to enjoy, just
like we have.
Aside from what they have learned from the book and the activities, here are some things
that the children can do to make a difference in improving the environment:
- Save electricity turn off the lights, the television, and other electronic devices
when you are through with them.- If possible bike, bus, or walk to where you are going instead of taking a car.
- Recycle cans, bottles, plastic bags, and newspapers.
- Conserve water turn off the water when youre not using it and tell an adult if
you see a leak somewhere.
- Put litter in garbage cans. If you see trash on the ground, pick it up and toss it in
the nearest trash can.
Summer Solstice, page 11: After spring comes summer! Around June 20th days are thelongest of the year and the nights are the shortest. One sign that summer is here isthat days are long and hot because the sun is high in the sky. All energy comes fromthe sun. Plants get energy from the sun. Animals get energy from the plants and otheranimals they eat. Summer is a good time to bring your energy to the Eco Park.
Bee Maze, page 12: Bees are very important to our ecosystem because they pollinate
trees, owers, and other plants which produce food for us to eat. Without bees andother pollinators, there would be no food available for us to eat. Other pollinators areies, wasps, butteries, moths, birds, and bats. Help the bee nd his way to the WildPlum blossom.
Sources
http://www.epa.gov/kids/
Additional Activities in
Appendix A
15. Elementary Ecosystems
16. Bug Study
17. Just Turn it Off
Teacher
Information
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
12/84
7
Water in the Park
13 14
Water in the ParkWater is very important to all forms of life. Without water,plants and animals would not be able to live. In this section,
you will learn about the Water Cycle and how water movesaround the Earth. You will also learn about watersheds andsome of the neat things that make water so special.
Put a check mark by the statements that are true.
Water is...___ wet (when it falls as rain)___ cold (when it is ice)___ hot ( when it is boiling)___ hard to see (when it is vapor)
Water can be found...___ in the ground___ in the sky___ in lakes and streams___ in the oceans___ in water fountains___ in glaciers
Water is used by...___ farmers___ businesses___ wildlife___ plants
This section of the Activity Book teaches students about the water cycle,
bodies of water, shapes of water, and what lives in the water. Several
activities reinforce these topics.
Teacher
Information
Water in the Park, page 14:Water is very important to all forms of life. Withoutwater, plants and animals would not be able to live. In this section, you will learn aboutthe Water Cycle and how water moves around the Earth. You will also learn aboutwatersheds and some of the neat things that make water so special.
Put a check mark by the statements that are true.
Water is...___ wet (when it falls as rain)___ cold (when it is ice)___ hot ( when it is boiling)___ hard to see (when it is vapor)
Water can be found...___ in the ground___ in the sky___ in lakes and streams___ in the oceans___ in water fountains___ in glaciers
Water is used by...___ farmers___ businesses___ wildlife___ plants
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
13/84
8
16
RiverOcean
River
Vapor
Plants
Ground Water
As water vapor cools it turns back into a l iquid. This is calledcondensation. Liquid water is heavy and cool. Sometimes it is cold,so cold that it turns to ice (solid) and falls back to the Earth assnow, hail or sleet.
Sources
http://waterknowledge.colostate.edu/
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/
The water we use in the Denver area comes mostly from snow melt and rain
showers that ll up man-made reservoirs during the spring. Because the
amount of precipitation naturally varies, we must be conservative with our
water so that we will still have some during dry periods. Because our water
is always moving around, as shown in the water cycle, we must also be
careful of the types of pollutants we put in our water. These pollutants may
contaminate the water we drink, the water animals and plants use, or even
the water from rain.
Some facts about snowfall in Colorado:The record for the maximum 24-hour snowfall in the United States
is 75.8 inches at Silver Lake in the mountains west of Boulder. This
was the result of a storm which occurred on April 14-15, 1921.
Denver has an average annual snowfall of 60.7 inches. The snowiest
season on record occurred in 1908-1909, with 118.7 inches of snow.
The Water Cycle, page 15 &16: The suns energy heats liquid water in the oceans, lakes,and rivers. The heated water turns into vapor (gas). When water vapor is warmerthan the air it rises into the sky where you see it as clouds. This is called evaporation.Plants release water vapor into the air. This is called transpiration. As water vaporcools it turns back into a liquid. This is called condensation. Liquid water is heavyand cool. Sometimes it is cold, so cold that it turns to ice (solid) and falls back to theEarth as snow, hail, or sleet.
Additional Activities in
Appendix A
18. Three States of Water
19. The Water Cycle20. Oil Pollution
Teacher
Information
Activity
Book
Narrative
15
Clouds
Lake
Lake
Mountain
Cr ee k Cr ee k Vapor
Rain
Snow
Plants
Plants
Ground Water
The Water CycleThe suns energy heats liquid water in the oceans, lakes, and rivers.The heated water turns into vapor (gas). When water vapor iswarmer than the air it rises into the sky where you see it as clouds.This is called evaporation. Plants release water vapor into the air.This is called transpirtation.
(Precipitation)
(Precipitation)
(Condensation)
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
14/84
9
17
Water Cycle ExperimentMaterials:
handful of soilwaterplastic zip-top bagstrong tapesunny window
Procedure:1. Put the soil in the zip-top bag.2. Sprinkle a little water on the dirt, just
enough to make it moist.3. Close the bag tight and tape it to the
sunny window.4. Watch what happens in the bag.
What do you think will happen?
What happened?
Do you know why?
18
Ocean
Creek River
Puddle
Pond
Lake
Different Water BodiesWater lls many different holes on the Earths surface.These areas of water on the ground are called waterbodies. All water bodies are part of a watershed. An areaof land where water drains into the same place is called awatershed. Which water body below does Cherry Creekbelong to?
Sources
http://waterknowledge.colostate.edu/
Water Cycle Experiment, page 17: Please see instructions in the activity book for thisexperiment.
Different Water Bodies, page 18: Water covers most of the Earths surface. These areasof water on the ground are called water bodies. An area of land where water drainsinto the same water body is called a watershed. Which water body below does CherryCreek look like?
Facts about Colorado water bodies:
South Platte River Basin
- The South Platte River Basin drains 19,020 square miles.
- Major reservoirs in the South Platte Basin include Lake Granby,
Grand Lake, Carter Lake, Horsetooth Reservoir, Chateld
Reservoir, Cherry Creek Reservoir, Barr Lake, Riverside
Reservoir, Empire Reservoir, Sterling Reservoir, and Julesburg
Reservoir.
- Major tributaries to the South Platte include the Poudre, Big
Thompson, St. Vrain, Boulder Creek, Clear Creek, and Cherry
Creek.
Blue Mesa is the largest reservoir in Colorado.
The Colorado River used to be called the Grand River.
87 percent of the water leaving Colorado ows out of the Colorado
River basin toward the Pacic Ocean. The remaining 13 percent of
the water leaving Colorado ows out of the Missouri, Arkansas, and
Rio Grande river basins toward the Atlantic Ocean.
The Platte River, whose name means at, was named by early
French trappers and explorers. The Native Americans in the region
called it Nibraskier, a similar word for at.Grand Lake is 265 feet deep - the deepest natural lake in Colorado.
Teacher
Information
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
15/84
10
19
Did you Know?Circle the correct answer for each question.
1. How much water does a person use daily?
A. 50 gallons B. 10 gallons C. 125 gallons
2. How much of a tree is water?
A. 1/4 B. 1/2 C. 3/4
3. How much water is used to ush a toilet?
A. 1 -2 ga ll on s B . 2 -7 ga ll on s C . 7 -1 0 g al lo ns
How much has the amount of water decreased overthe past million years?
A. None B. 10,000 gallons C. 1,000,000 gallons
5. How long can a person live without water?
A. 1 day B. 7 days C. 2 weeks
6. Where does the water from the Cherry Creek ow to?
A. Gulf of Mexico B. Pacic Ocean C. Atlantic Ocean
7. How much of an elephant is water?
A. 1/4 B. 1/2 C. 3/4
(Answers can be found on page 23 of the Teachers Guide.)
4.
20
What Needs WaterLook around the Eco Park.Make a list of things that need water to live and need waterto be made.
HINT:A shirt is made of cotton.Cotton comes from a plant.The plant drinks water.What else do you see that uses cotton?
Wood comes from trees.Trees need water to grow.What do you see that is made of wood?
1.________________________________________
2.________________________________________
3.________________________________________
4.________________________________________
5.________________________________________
6.________________________________________
7.________________________________________
8.________________________________________
Sources
http://www.microscope-
microscope.org/
applications/pond-critters/pond-critters.htm
Answers for page 19.1. A; 2. C; 3. B; 4. A; 5. B; 6. A; 7. C
Page 20: When you look at fresh water with a microscope you
will likely see a variety of tiny living things. Sources of fresh
water samples can include ponds, lakes, rivers, aquarium tanks,
or even an old rain puddle.
You might see bacteria which belongs to the Kingdom Monera.
You likely will see tiny animals like rotifers, which belong to
the Kingdom Animalia and of course there are the Protozoans
and Algae, which belong to the Kingdom Protista. The algae
are single celled plant-like protists and the protozoans are singlecelled animal-like protists. Remember, the Protists are neither
animals or plants but are in a kingdom of their own!
Protozoans are further classied according to how they move,
and there are four types. The phyla Mastigophora move with a
long whip-like extension called a agella. The Ciliophora have
hundreds of tiny little hairs which beat in unison like little oars
to move them through the water. The Sarcodina includes the
Amoebas and they move like a owing blob of jelly using what
is called a pseudopod, or false foot. The last type of protozoan
is the Sporazoans. They are very small spore-like with noapparent means of locomotion. Some are harmful like those
that cause malaria.
Scientists estimate that there are more than 50,000 different
species of protozoans. Even at that, there are many new protists
yet to be found as new species are identied regularly.
Did You Know?, page 19: Please see instructions in the activity bookfor this experiment.
Pond Water Experiment, page 20: Please see instructions in the activitybook for this experiment.
TeacherInformation
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
16/84
11
21
Wildlife in the Park Wildlife in the ParkThe Eco Park is home to wildlife. Wildlife is another namefor animals and insects. Deer, beavers, snakes, and dragonyare all wildlife. Th ey can all live without care of people.Dogs, cows, and parakeets do not count as wildlife. Theyneed regular care from people. In this section, you will learnabout many animals and insects that can be seen at the park.
When you are completing the activities for this sectionremember that all the animals and insects are connected aspart of the ecosystem and that they depend on each otherand Cherry Creek to survive.
How to watch wildlife:
Wear clothing that is not brightly colored
Keep still. Wait for animals to nd you. Do not follow
them.
Do not stand where you are fully visible. Crouch down low
to disguise yourself.
Move slowly and quietly when you do move.
Freeze if an animal you are watching looks your way.
Listen for animal noises like buzzing and plopping.
Sniff out unusual smells.
Use your senses to explore the Eco Park just like an
animal would.
Do not feed or bother the wildlife.
22
This section of the Activity Book gives an overview of the animals that can
be found in the ecological park. Students will learn about the animals, what
color they are, and their habits.
Teacher
Information
Wildlife in the Park, page 22: The Eco Park is home to wildlife. Wildlife is another namefor animals and insects. Deer, beavers, snakes, and dragonies are all wildlife. They canall live without the care of people. Dogs, cows, and parakeets do not count as wildlife.They need regular care from people. In this section, you will learn about many animalsand insects that can be seen at the park. When you are completing the activities forthis section remember that all the animals and insects are connected as part of theecosystem and that they depend on each other and Cherry Creek to survive.
How to watch wildlife:
Wear clothing that is not brightly colored
Keep still. Wait for animals to nd you. Do not follow them.
Do not stand where you are fully visible. Crouch down low to disguise yourself.
Move slowly and quietly when you do move.
Freeze if an animal you are watching looks your way.
Listen for animal noises like buzzing and plopping.
Sniff out unusual smells.
Use your senses to explore the Eco Park just like an animal would.
Do not feed or bother the wildlife.
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
17/84
12
Deer Deer Tracks
Rabbit Rabbit Tracks
24
Mammals
Beaver Beaver Tracks
25
Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish
Frog
Turtle
Snake
Frog Tracks
Snake Tracks
Turtle Tracks
Fish
23
Know the WildlifeThere are many different animals and insects in the park.You may not see these animals when you are exploring theEco Park but they are here. Look for clues! What colors arethese animals?
Fox Fox Tracks
Raccoon Raccoon Tracks
Mammals
Fox: Weight: from 3 to 6 lbs. Physical characteristics: long ears, long bushy tail, reddish-brown fur.Diet: rodents, eggs, birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles, sh, grass, berries, nuts, and dead carcasses.Shelter: dens. Other: They hunt at night.
Beaver: Size/weight: 3 long, up to 55 lbs. Physical description: broad, nearly naked, at tail;webbed feet. Shelter: dens. Diet: tender upper leaves, branches, and bark of trees. Other: Largestof the rodents. Besides humans, no other animal has such inuence on its surroundings. Theycan drop a 5-inch diameter tree in 30 minutes.
Raccoon: Size/weight: 2 to 3 long, 8 to 22 lbs (heaviest in the fall). Diet: nearly anything.Shelter: tree cavities, abandoned burrows. Other. Raccoons can be found anywhere today, butonce lived only in the riparian areas of the eastern plains. Active at night.
Fish: Types of sh that have been found in Cherry Creek include minnows and trout. Sizes and
colors vary. Fish eat insects and plant matter.
Cottontail Rabbit: Size/weight: about 16 long, about 2 lbs. Physical characteristics:brownish-gray, white tail. Shelter: shallow depression within brushy areas. Diet: vegetation,herbaceous and woody. Other: Feed in the morning and late afternoon.
Deer: Size/weight: 4 to 6 feet long, around 3 tall at the shoulder; bucks around 400 lbs, does around200 lbs. Other: Two species in Colorado - mule deer and white-tailed deer.
Western Rattlesnake: Size: up to 48 long. Diet: prairie dog young, other rodents, birds, lizards,and frogs. Shelter: abandoned burrows. Other: has a rattle on the end of the tail that it shakes to warncreatures to stay away. They do most of their hunting at night.
Frog: Frogs are amphibians, animals that spend part of their lives under water and the rest on land.Most frogs have teeth. Diet: Insects, sometimes small sh and worms. Shelter/Habitat: Near water. In
really cold weather, frogs may bury themselves in the sand/mud and hibernate through winter.
Turtle: Turtles of the area include snapping turtles, box turtles, yellow mud turtles, spiny softshells,and painted turtles. They all have relatively hard shells and small heads and legs. They spend a lot oftime in the water, but they also like to sun themselves on logs and rocks. Diet: plants, insects, snails,slugs, craysh, leeches, mussels, tadpoles, frogs, sh eggs, small sh, and dead animals.
Know the Wildlife, page 23: There are many different animals and insects in the park.You may not see these animals when you are exploring the Eco Park but they are here.Look for clues! What colors are these animals?
Know the Wildlife, pages 24 & 25: There are no narratives for these pages of theactivity book.
TeacherInformation
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
18/84
1326
Birds
Heron Tracks
Hawk
Hawk Tracks
Heron
27
Insects
Dragonfy
Bugs are wildlife. They are an important part of anecosystem. There are many colorful bugs at the Eco Park.
Bugs have no backbones. They wear their skeletons on theoutside of their bodies. They have at least 3 pairs of legs;sometimes as many as 15 pairs of legs. How many pairs oflegs do you have?
Ant Bumble Bee
28
Mosquito
Grasshopper
Spider
Insects
Tick
Daddy Long Legs
Answers for page 27 & 28.Ant- Insect; Bumble Bee- Insect; Dragony- Insect; Tick- Arthropod; Mosquito- Insect;Grasshopper- Insect; Spider- Arthropod
Heron: Size: 38 tall, wingspan is 70 wide. They have a white crown and face with a blue-gray body.Diet: Mostly sh, some small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. They live in large nests within densetree cover.
Red-tailed Hawk: Size/weight: about 19-23 long, about 2.5 lbs. Physical characteristics: back,head, and wings are brown with paler markings; white chest; tail feathers are reddish-brown. Diet:rodents, reptiles, amphibians, and small birds. Shelter: nests of bark, sticks, and leaves high in the trees.Other: Often catch food while in ight.
Ant: Ants range in color from red to black, and they can range in size from 1/4 for a worker carpenterant to 3/4 for a queen carpenter ant. Although ants are frustrating when they get in homes, ants do helpthe environment. They help control the population of damaging pests such as termites.
Honey Bee: Honey bees eat nectar from owers. They can y about 15 mph. While eating, theyalso collect pollen in the pollen baskets attached to their legs. Some of the pollen lands on otherowers, pollinating them. Bees use the pollen to make honey, which is fed to newborn bee larvae.There are three types of bees: the queen (lays eggs), workers (females who gather food, buildhoneycomb, tend to eggs, guard the hive), and drones (males who mate with the queen).
Dragony: Dragonies eat other insects that they catch in mid air. There are many kinds ofdragonies with most found near water. They have long, thin bodies and with two pairs of long,delicate wings.
Tick: Ticks are more closely related to spiders and scorpions than insects. Like a spider, a tick has onemain body section; while, an insect has three separate body sections. There are two main types of ticks:hard and soft. Hard ticks are most commonly found in the woods and on pets. Soft ticks have tough,leathery skin with no apparent head. They can be found in caves, cabins and on birds.
Grasshopper: Grasshoppers can hop, walk, and y. There are thousands of different kinds ofgrasshoppers and they come in browns, greens, and olive greens. They eat plants while holdingthem between their small front legs.
Mosquito: There are thousands of different kinds of mosquitoes. They can y 1 to 1.5 mph.Females drink blood and plant nectar, males drink only nectar. Interestingly, not all mosquitoes
bite humans.
Spider: There are many types of spiders that live all over the earth. They come in all shapes andcolors. Most spiders live for about one year. They produce silk from silk glands to make webs,traps, shelters, cocoons, and diving bells (for those spiders that hunt under water).
Know the Wildlife, page 26, 27 & 28: Bugs are wildlife. They are an important part ofan ecosystem. There are many colorful bugs at the Eco Park. Bugs have no backbones.They wear their skeletons on the outside of their bodies. They have at least 3 pairs oflegs; sometimes as many as 15 pairs of legs. How many pairs of legs do you have?
TeacherInformation
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
19/84
14
30
Where Do They Go?Do you have a favorite animal that you can nd in thesummer, but it is not around in the winter? Some animalsmove from one place to another when the weather gets cold.This is called migration. Other animals sleep through thewinter months. This is called hibernation. Some animalslive in the Eco Park all winter long. Extra-thick fur or down
feathers help to keep these animals warm.
Fun Fact:
Birds hide in dense bushes to stay dry during rain storms.
Great horned owls pant to keep cool from the hot sun.
Bears teeth keep growing so they have to chew on treesto keep them in their mouths.
During rain showers, butteries use leaves as if theywere umbrellas.
Cold-blooded animals, like snakes, will sun themselves tokeep their bodies warm.
Match the Tracks
29
Can you match which tracks are made by each animal? Drawa line from the animal to the tracks that each makes.
No additional information for these pages.
Match the Tracks, page 29: Can you match which tracks are made by each animal?Draw a line from the animal to the tracks they each make.
Make Your Own Animal, page 30: The Eco Park is home to wildlife. Wildlife is anothername for animals and insects. Deer, beavers, snakes, and dragony are all wildlife.They can all live without care of people. Dogs, cows, and parakeets do not count aswildlife. They need regular care from people. In this section, you will learn aboutmany animals and insects that can be seen at the park. When you are completing theactivities for this section remember that all the animals and insects are connected aspart of the ecosystem and that they depend on each other and Cherry Creek to survive.
How to watch wildlife:
Wear clothing that is not brightly colored
Keep still. Wait for animals to nd you. Do not follow them.
Do not stand where you are fully visible. Crouch down low to disguise yourself.
Move slowly and quietly when you do move.
Freeze if an animal you are watching looks your way.
Listen for animal noises like buzzing and plopping.
Sniff out unusual smells.
Use your senses to explore the Eco Park just like an animal would.
Do not feed or bother the wildlife.
Teacher
Information
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
20/84
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
21/84
16
This section of the Activity Book teaches students about plant types and
plant parts. It also has activities that will hone observation skills, building on
the seasonal changes of plants.
Plants in the Park, page 34: Plants are a part of the ecosystem of the Eco Park. Theyhelp create the oxygen that we breathe, and they are food for people and animals. Inthis section, you will learn about what makes different types of plants unique and howto identify them in the park. There are also some fun activities for you to complete!
Teacher
Information
Activity
Book
Narrative
33
Plants in the Park Plants in the ParkPlants are a part of the ecosystem of the Eco Park. Theyhelp create the oxygen that we breathe, and they are foodfor people and animals. In this section, you will learn aboutwhat makes different types of plants unique and how toidentify them in the park. There are also some fun activitiesfor you to complete!
34
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
22/84
17
Plant Types
Trees
Shrubs Grasses Flowering Plants
There are four main types of plants in the park. How manyof each type can you nd in the park?
35
Deciduous Tree Parts
Cottonwood trees haveseeds like this one.
Leaves on acottonwood branch
There are some kinds of trees that we call deciduous treesbecause they drop their leaves in fall and sprout new leavesin spring.
This is the trunk.It has bark whichprotects the tree.
The tree canopyis made up ofmany, many fatleaves. Theleaves transformenergy from thesun into food.
This is a branch.Branches movewater up to theleaves and twigsand down to theroots.
This is the rootof the tree. Theroots absorb waterand nutrients fromthe soil.
36
Plant Types, page 35: There are four main types of plants in the park. How many of
each type can you nd?
Deciduous Tree Parts, page 36: There are some kinds of trees that we call deciduous
trees because they lose their leaves in winter and grow new leaves in the spring.
Plains Cottonwood (Populus deltoides): This
deciduous tree gets 80 to 100 tall and 40 to 60
wide. These trees have yellow fall color. They live
along stream banks.
Sandbar Willow (Salix exigua): This shrub can get
from 3 to 20 tall and wide. It is thicket-forming
and spreads by suckers.
Saskatoon Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia):
This shrub gets 15 tall and half as wide. Creamy-
white owers appear in the spring. Red berries
that are an important food source for birds.
Sedges (Carex spp.): There are many different
species of sedge. These grasses grow in wet soil
near stream banks alongside reeds and rushes.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): This is a perennial
little owering plant that reaches 1 to 1.5 tall.
It spreads like a groundcover and has very soft
leaves. White, yellow, or pink owers appear in
summer.
Teacher
Information
Activity
Book
Narrative
Sources
http://plants.usda.
gov/
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
23/84
18
There are some kinds of trees that we call evergreen treesbecause they do not lose their leaves. They stay green allwinter.
Needles(Needles are a type of leaf)
Some trees have seeds likethis one. This seed came
from a cone.
Evergreen Tree Parts
The tree canopy is
made up of many,many needles. Theneedles transformenergy from thesun into food.
This is the rootof the tree. Theroots absorb waterand nutrients fromthe soil.
This is thetrunk. It hasbark whichprotects thetree.
This is a branch.Evergreen branchescan sometimes behard to see throughthe needles. Branch-es move water up tothe leaves and twigsand down to theroots.
37
My TreeMaterials:notebookpen or penciladult to take you to the park
You can adopt a tree in the park andobserve and record the changes that it goesthrough during the year.
Procedure:1. In the Eco Park nd a specail tree that is
along the trail that you like.2. If you think you might not be able to nd your tree next
time you visit, tie a piece of string onto one of itsbranches.
3. Make a rubbing of a section of its bark. Use this as apicture for the front of your book.
4. On the rst day, also write what you see in your book.You might write, My tree is very tall. It has yellowleaves and it has a big chunk of bark taken off of it.Draw a picture of it.
5. If your tree is a deciduous tree, dry and press one ofits leaves to add to a page in your book. If it is anevergreen tree, paste some of its needles in the book.
6. Go to the park at least once a month. Write the date,something about the tree that has changed, and drawanother picture.
7. Do some research on your tree. Find out its name, otherareas it grows in, what animals live in it or eat it, andother information. Include these facts in your book.
8. At the end of the year, have an adult help you bind all ofthe pages together.
38
Sources
http://plants.usda.gov/
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia): This tree
is considered a noxious weed in Colorado! Students
should know that this tree has a tendency to replace
native species along stream banks. It was once used for
windbreaks and wildlife habitat. It is no longer sold as
nursery stock in Colorado. Russian olive has a pungent
smell when blooming, later producing olive-like fruit.
It reaches heights of 30 and is just about as wide.
Rubber Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus): This
shrub blooms in autumn. It gets up to 4-6 wide and
6 tall. It has silvery leaves that are soft to the touch.
It typically likes well-draining soils and is drought
tolerant.
Evergreen Tree Parts, page 37: There are some kinds of trees that we call evergreen
trees because they do not lose their leaves. They stay green all winter.
My Tree, page 38: Please see instructions in the activity book on how to make a treebook.
Teacher
Information
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
24/84
19
39
A long, long time ago Cherry Creek was a lot different thanit is today. There were lots of animals before there werelots of people and more land for the animals to build shel-ters and nd food. The animals came in many different bodyshapes and sizes and roamed around freely.
Long Before People
40
There were many animals that lived in the wild. Connect thedots and nd out what kind of animal this is!
Long Before People
Colorados landscape can be divided into three major geologic zones:
Eastern Plains, Rocky Mountains, and the Colorado Plateau. The eastern
plains cover the eastern portion of the state including the Denver area and
consist of rolling grasslands and shrublands. Buffalo once roamed these
lands as wild animals.
The buffalo that Americans refer to are actually bison. It is also called the
American Buffalo. It is the heaviest land animal in North America. The
bison has a large head with relatively small, curving horns. It has a shaggy
coat of brown hair on its shoulders and legs, while its body has shorter, ner
hair. It lives in parks and reserves, inhabiting at grasslands. Bison can runat speeds up to 30 mph (48 kph). Although bison almost went extinct in the
late 1800s due to over-hunting, it is now recovering.
A bison can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and weigh up to a ton (900
kg). Bulls (males) are larger than cows (females). Both bulls and cows have
horns. Buffalo have a life span of 12 to 15 years.
These herbivores (plant eaters) graze on grass, twigs, and shrubs. They
swallow their food without chewing it and later regurgitate a cud and chew
it, similar to what cows do.
Sources
- http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/mammals/bison/Bisoncoloring.html
- http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/bison.html
Teacher
Information
Long Before People, page 39: A long, long time ago Cherry Creek looked different thanit does today. The land was full of animal life but very few of the animals were people.Animals came in many different body shapes and sizes. Are you an animal?
Buffalo, page 40: There were many animals that lived in the wild. Connect thedots and nd out what kind of animal this is!
Activity
Book
Narrative
Additional Activities in
Appendix A
1. My Buffalo Coloring Activity
2. Natural Figures
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
25/84
20
A long time ago, there were people who lived here in groupscalled tribes. Each tribe had a name. Some tribes werecalled Arapaho and others were called Cheyenne. The peoplelived off the land. They hunted bison, gathered roots,berries, and plants to eat. They used bones, stones, andplants to make toys, tools, and decorations. They made
clothes and made their own shelter using bison skins.
Native Americans
41 42
Native Americans had very colorful clothes and some livedin teepees. The color and patterns they put on their clothesand teepees communicated to others who they were.
How do you communicate to others about who you are?Draw colorful patterns anddesigns on the teepee thatrepresent you.
Native AmericansSources
http://www.accessgenealogy.
com/native/colorado/
The Plains Indians were one of the rst inhabitants of the area. They were
nomadic people living in temporary and mobile settlements made up of teepees.
Tribes primarily hunted buffalo and followed herds across the Great Plains.
Every part of a hunted buffalo was typically used, from the hides, which were
used for teepees; to the stomachs, which were used for water containers.
Before European settlers, eastern Colorado was inhabited by Arapaho and
Cheyenne Indians. The Arapaho Indians lived much like their ancestors,tracking buffalo in small, mobile settlements. The word Arapaho is believed to
mean trader. They are thought to have moved into Colorado from Minnesota
and North Dakota. In the mid-1800s, the tribe split into the Northern Arapaho
tribe and the Southern Arapaho tribe. Today, the tribes live on reservations in
Wyoming and Oklahoma.
The Cheyenne Indians were widely spread with bands reaching across the Great
Plains. A unique feature of the Cheyenne was that all the bands were unied
under a complex political system. Unlike the Arapaho, the Cheyenne Indians
were primarily an agricultural based society throughout their history.
Native Americans established a trail along Cherry Creek that was used by
trappers, gold seekers, and traders. It was known by several names, the most
popular being the Cherokee Trail and the South Branch of the Smoky Hill Trail.
Native Americans, page 41:A long time ago, there were people who lived here in groupscalled tribes. Each tribe had a name. Some tribes were called Arapaho and others werecalled Cheyenne. The people lived off the land. They hunted bison, gathered roots,berries, and plants to eat. They used bones, stones, and plants to make toys, tools, anddecorations. They made clothes and made their own shelter using bison skins.
Native Americans, page 42: Native Americans had very colorful clothes and some lived
in teepees. The color and patterns they put on their clothes and teepees communicatedto others who they were. How do you communicate to others about who you are?Draw colorful patterns and designs on the teepee that represent you.
Teacher
Information
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
26/84
21
Almost 200 years ago, more people moved here fromEurope and the Eastern United States. Settlers from theEast traveled West along rivers, creek, and streams. Thesettlers followed Cherry Creek as they made their way tonew homes in Colorado. Why would they follow the CherryCreek? Look around the park. If you were settling here,what would you use for food, water, and shelter?
Settlers
43 44
Settlers used wagons and pack animals to move all of theirbelongings. What do you think the settlers brought withthem? What do you think the settlers ate?
Settlers
Bison
Corn
Berries
Deer
Oats
ChickenPig
Sources
http://www.denvergov.org/
aboutdenver/history.asphttp://www.saskschools.ca/
~gregory/settlers3.html
http://cuyahogafallshistory.
com/Beginnings/settlers_food.
htm
The gold rush of 1858-59 brought settlers to Colorado from the eastern U.S.
William Green Russell found gold at the conuence of Cherry Creek and the South
Platte River and constructed the Pine Grove Post Ofce. The post ofce handled
mail and provisions, as well as provided refuge for travelers seeking gold in the
area. Cherry Creek is thought to have received its name from the wild choke cherry
shrubs that grew along its banks. As more people came, General William Larimer,
Jr. founded the settlement in November 1858 as Denver City in honor of then
Kansas governor James W. Denver (Colorado was not a state at this point and still
part of Kansas). The name was eventually shortened to Denver and, with its central
location, the city became a hub for several railroads in the late 1800s. Denver was
on its way to becoming the major metropolitan area that it is today.
The pioneers depended on their guns as well as the spade in order to eat.
Agriculture was difcult in spite of the good soil. After clearing land and tilling
there where still stumps and boulders and roots that made cultivation difcult.
Later, plows were was used to work the land. The plow was pulled by oxen or
horses. It took a lot of hard work to produce a small crop. Wheat, barley, rye, and
oats were planted. There had to be enough to feed the animals in the winter. Cows
were raised for meat and for milk which was churned into butter or made into
cheese. Chickens provided eggs and meat. Ducks, geese, and pigs were also raised.
Oxen or horses pulled plows and wagons. Settlers also hunted deer, rabbits, wildducks, and prairie chickens, or caught sh. Hogs and sheep were precious animals.
They were brought to this vicinity at great expense. The sheep furnished meat for
the table and wool for clothing. The hogs furnished a welcome relief to the diet,
and supplied the cupboard with lard and hides for shoe soles.
Settlers, page 43: Almost 200 years ago, more people moved here from Europe and theEastern United States. Settlers from the East traveled West along rivers, creek, andstreams. The settlers followed Cherry Creek as they made their way to new homesin Colorado. Why would they follow the Cherry Creek? Look around the park. If youwere settling here, what would you use for food, water, and shelter?
Settlers, page 44:Settlers used wagons and pack animals to move all of their belongings.
What do you think the settlers brought with them? What do you think the settlersate?
Teacher
Information
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
27/84
22
The Eco Park is a very special place where plants and animalsand their homes are protected. It is a place for people tohave fun and a place to explore nature. There are manyliving and non-living things that can be found in the Eco Park.Living things such as grass, leaves, and butterfies are calledbiotic. Non-living things such as rocks, a sign, or a bench areabiotic. What is in the park now?
What is Here Today?
45 46
Biotic or Abiotic?Circle the abiotic things found in this picture. These are thethings that are not alive. Have you seen any other abiotic orbiotic things on your visit to the Eco Park today?
Sources
http://www.wildlife.state.co.us/education
http://www.epa.gov/wed/pages/ecoregions/ecoregions.htm
What is Here Today, page 45: The Eco Park is a very special place where plants andanimals and their homes are protected. It is a place for people to have fun and a placeto explore nature. There are many living and non-living things that can be found in theEco Park. Living things such as grass, leaves, and butteries are called biotic. Non-living things such as rocks, a sign, or a bench are abiotic. What is in the park now?
What is it Like Now, page 46:Circle the abiotic things found in this picture. These arethe things that are not alive. Have you seen any other abiotic or biotic things on yourvisit to the Eco Park today?
Additional Activities In
Appendix A
3. Wetland Field Study Scavenger
Hunt4. Critter Scope
5. Animal Diversity
Colorados location and natural features make it home for a wide variety of
animals and plants. Ecosystems (the combination of all the living and non-
living elements of an area) around the Denver area include grasslands, sage
shrublands, and montane shrublands.
Grasslands are dominated by buffalo grass and blue grama. They are
typically very dry due to the rain shadow of the Rockies. Bison once roamed
these areas but today they have been domesticated. The remaining wildlife
includes pronghorns, prairie dogs, golden eagles, burrowing owls, and the
lark bunting (the state bird). You can also nd tarantulas, grasshoppers,
yucca plants, and prickly-pears. Other names for grassland are prairie, plain,
steppe, pampa, savannah, and veld.
Sage shrublands, located above the grasslands in elevation, are dominated
by sagebrush, which are easily found with their distinct sage odor (they are
not the same species as the culinary sage). The shrubland is the driest and
hottest of Colorados ecosystems and is a harsh environment for animals
and plants. However, many animals thrive including the golden eagle,
jackrabbit, coyote, prairie dog, and several lizards and snakes, and many
plants including the greasewood, juniper, and pinon pine.
Montane shrublands are located between the grasslands and the forests of
the Rocky Mountains. They are dominated by ponderosa pine and gambel
Teacher
Information
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
28/84
23
The Eco Park is a very special place where plants and animalsand their homes are protected. It is a place for people tohave fun and a place to explore nature. There are manyliving and non-living things that can be found in the Eco Park.Living things such as grass, leaves, and butterfies are calledbiotic. Non-living things such as rocks, a sign, or a bench areabiotic. What is in the park now?
What is Here Today?
45 46
Biotic or Abiotic?Circle the abiotic things found in this picture. These are thethings that are not alive. Have you seen any other abiotic orbiotic things on your visit to the Eco Park today?
oak. Wildlife varies greatly compared to the grasslands and shrublands.
Common wildlife includes the magpie, great horned owl, wild turkey,
chipmunk, squirrel, and mountain lion.Riparian areas (lands bordered by streams, rivers, and ponds) can be found
in all of Colorados ecosystems. They are rare areas making up less than
three percent of the land in Colorado but used by over 90 percent of the
wildlife. Some unique wildlife found in riparian areas includes: blue herons,
river otters, beavers, salamanders, frogs, trout, bass, and perch. Riparian
areas are usually dominated by cottonwood and willow trees and are also
home to many aquatic insects. Riparian areas provide several functions such
as wildlife habitat, water quality improvement, recreation, tourism areas,
and ood control.
In Denver and the surrounding communities, nature no longer conformsto these natural ecosystems. Urbanization, agriculture, and other activities
by man have altered the environment and created a different man-made
ecosystem. We have brought in new plants, replaced the grasslands with
concrete and farm elds, and controlled water for drinking and irrigation. It
is important that we learn how we t into the natural environment that was
acting as a functioning system long before we arrived, while still providing
for our human needs.
In the Eco Park today, there are many kinds of animals that call the park
home, including several species of hawks, mallard ducks, horned owls,
cottontail rabbits, coyotes, foxes, prairie dogs, as well as several types ofsmall birds. It is a unique haven for these animals within Colorado.
No student narrative. Teacher information continues from the previouspage.
Sources Continued
http://www.enchantedlearning.com
http://www.earthlife.net- http://www.ento.vt.edu/~sharov/3d/3dinsect.html
http://www.zoomschool.com/subjects/plants/
Teacher
Information
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
29/84
24
Now You Know Your Park
Well, you have almost completed the book. On the next pageis a fun word search to help you remember some of thethings you learned from completing the previous activities.Complete the Eco Word Search and you will have completedthe book! What do you think of when you think of the EcoPark?
47 48
Now You Know Your Park, page 47: Well, you have almost completed the book. Onthe next page is a fun word search to help you remember some of the thingsyou learned from completing the previous activities. Complete the Eco WordSearch and you will have completed the book! What do you think of when youthink of the Eco Park?
No additional information for these pages. TeacherInformation
Activity
Book
Narrative
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
30/84
25
Here are some things that students can do to help the park when they visit.
See if your students can think of other things to add to this list:
Pick up trash lying on the ground and put it in the trash cans.
Remind people with dogs to pick up after them and always pick up
after your own dog.
Stay on the trails when walking through sensitive areas.
Never take home any animals, plants, or other things found in the
park. Take pictures instead.
Never move baby animals that you nd in the park. They might look
hurt or lost, but you might do more damage if you touch them than ifyou leave them alone.
Read the interpretive signs and have fun knowing that you are a
protector of the park!
You Make a Difference, page 50: You have completed your Activity Book. You can makea difference and keep nature and the Eco Park a special place for everyone. There ismuch more you can learn about ecosystems. Always remember the seed and what itneeds to grow, just like you. You can make a difference!
Teacher
Information
Activity
Book
Narrative
Make A Difference!
Energy, Water, Soil,
and Place49
You Make a DifferenceYou have completed your Activity Book. You can make adifference and keep nature and the Eco Park a specialplace for everyone. There is much more you can learn aboutecosystems. Always remember the seed and what it needsto grow, just like you. You can make a difference!
50
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
31/84
Appendix A:
Additional Activities
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
32/84
27
Activity 1 - My Buffalo Coloring Page
Source: Valerian llc.
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
33/84
28
Activity 2 - Natural Figures
Source http://www.evergreen.ca/en/lg/lessons/gures.html
Description
Have students look for geometrical shapes in nature to help them appreciate the diversity of
the natural environment.
Curriculum Framework
Topic: Characteristics and Needs of Living Things
Strand: Life Systems
Specic Lesson Goals:
Classify characteristics of animals and plants by using the senses.
Describe patterns that they have observed in living things.
Use appropriate vocabulary in describing their investigations, explorations, and
observations.Record relevant observations, ndings, and measurements, using written language,
drawings, charts, and concrete materials.
Identify a familiar animal or plant from seeing only a part of it.
Topic: Everyday Structures
Strand: Structures and Mechanisms
Specic Lesson Goals:
Identify ways in which various structures are similar to and different from others in
form and function.Classify various structures in their environment according to specic features and
functions.
Identify geometric shapes in ordinary structures.
Describe patterns that are produced by the repetition of specic shapes or motifs in
various materials and objects.
Use appropriate vocabulary in describing their investigations, explorations, and
observations.
Record relevant observations, ndings, and measurements, using written language,
drawings, charts, and concrete materials.
Preparation
Length of Lesson: Outdoors - 1 hour
Resources Required: Shape sheet
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
34/84
29
Activity 2 - Natural Figures
Source http://www.evergreen.ca/en/lg/lessons/gures.html
Procedure
Prior to going outside, have the students brainstorm examples of shapes that can be
found in nature. Provide each student with a shape sheet and explain that they are to ndcorresponding shapes (i.e. triangle) in nature to match those on the sheet. Explain each shape
and descriptive picture on the sheet so that the students have a complete understanding of
what they are looking for.
Take the students out to the playground and have them search for objects that are similar
to the shapes that appear on their sheet. Once they have found an object that matches the
description, instruct them to draw a picture of the object in the area provided. Once the
children have nished drawing at least one natural object in relation to each shape (more if
time permits), have the students gather together as a group and discuss the shapes that they
have found.
Student Evaluation
Students can be rated on group participation and cooperation.
Educator Notes
This is an excellent hands-on activity for students in rst grade.
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
35/84
30
Activity 2 - Natural Figures
Source http://www.evergreen.ca/en/lg/lessons/gures.html
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
36/84
31
Activity 3 - Wetland Field Study Scavenger Hunt
Take this list with you on your wetland walk. When you nd something on the list, put an X
on the park map where you found it and the name of what you found next to the X. You can
also draw pictures or describe with words the things you see, feel, hear and smell.
NAME__________________________ DATE___________________________
WETLANDS VISITED_______________________________________________________
WEATHER ________________________________________________________________
THINGS TO SEE THINGS TO FEEL
__ A lilypad oating on a pond __ Slime or scum
__ A spiders web __ Rotten wood
__ A Water Strider skating __ A fuzzy plant
__ A birds nest (just look) __ A thistle (gently)
__ A cloud moving __ Wet mud
__ A cattail __ A mosquito bite
__ A pollywog or frog __ Shade
__ A bird ying overhead __ A tree trunk
__ A owering plant __ A slug or insect crawling over your hand
___Other:_____________________ __ Other:____________________
THINGS TO HEAR THINGS TO WATCH FOR
__ A mosquito buzzing __ A slug moving
__ Wind blowing through grass __ An animal trail
__ Animal jumping into water __ A bird getting food
__ Water sounds __ A seed traveling __ The call of a red-winged blackbird __ An animal eating another one
__ The whirr of a dragonys wings __ An animal swimming
__ Tree leaves rustling __ A spider with a bug
__ Birds talking to each other __ A plant growing in the water
__ Other: _____________________ __ Other:____________________
THINGS TO SMELL Notes:
__ Fresh air
__ A garter snake
__ Crushed green leaves
__ Two kinds of owers__ Water in a marsh
__ Damp soil
__ A wild rose
__ Wild mint
__ Other: _____________________
Source http://vathena.arc.nasa.gov/curric/land/wetland/scavhunt.html
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
37/84
32
Source http://www.epa.gov/nps/kids/CRITTER.HTM
Activity 4 - Critter Scope
Did you ever wonder what life is like under water? Well now is your chance to nd out
where different insects and their larvae or nymphs live in a stream. The critter scope is an
exploring tool that can peek into the lifestyles of the wet and wiggly world.
Materials
A can opener
A clean coffee can or large juice can
Waterproof tape or duct tape
Clear plastic wrap
A large and strong rubber band
Scissors
Procedure
Carefully remove both ends of the can and cover sharp edges with tape.
Place plastic wrap around one end of the can, leaving about one inch extra around the
edge.
Put a rubber band around the can and plastic to keep the plastic wrap tight.
Cut excess plastic wrap away and put tape over the rubber band and plastic wrap.
Take your critter scope for a test run in a sink. Look through the open end and place
the closed end (the one with the plastic on it) in the water.
Now you are able to visit the wet and wiggly world of a stream.
Note: You can also try using a clear plastic cover from a fast food salad container as a critterscope too!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
38/84
33
Source http://www.sciencelinks.com/lessons_printable.cfm?DocID=395
Note: Go the Web site to access the links underlined in this activity.
Activity 5 - Animal Diversity
Purpose
To motivate and guide student observations of animal and plant similarities, diversity, and
appropriateness to live in different environments. To show that stories sometimes give plantsand animals attributes that they dont really have.
Context
This lesson exposes children to a wide range of animals and guides them through observation
of animal similarities, differences, and environmental adaptations. This lesson can be used
as part of a study of plants and animals. Before doing the lesson, students should know the
meanings of the terms plant, animal, and living.
As Benchmarks for Science Literacypoints out, Observing is not enough. The students
should have reasons for their observationsreasons that prompt them to do somethingwith the information they collect. Students should be encouraged to ask questions, to
nd answers by careful observation, and to compare their ndings with those of other
students. They can use their ndings to create exhibits with photos, drawings, and even live
specimens. (Benchmarks for Science Literacy, p. 102.)
Research shows that lower elementary students tend to consider only vertebrates as animals,
or they tend to group animals by similarities in external appearance, behavior, or habitat.
Young students also dene plants in a narrow way, failing to classify grass, trees, and
vegetables as plants. In addition, these students typically use criteria such as movement,
breath, reproduction, and death to decide whether things are alive. Thus, some believe re,clouds, and the sun are alive, but others think plants and certain animals are nonliving.
(Benchmarks for Science Literacy, pp. 340341.) In their study of plants and animals,
students should be guided to an understanding that internal structures and processes can be
more signicant than external features in classication.
Because this lesson includes only online observations, students also will need ongoing
opportunities for hands-on observation (using hand lenses, if appropriate) with many kinds of
living plants and animals in as many environments as possible. Also, because the main lesson
concentrates only on animals, students will need similar lessons that deal with plants. Ideas
in this lesson are also related to concepts found in the following benchmark:
5A The Living Environment: Diversity of Life (K-2) #3
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
39/84
34
Source http://www.sciencelinks.com/lessons_printable.cfm?DocID=395
Note: Go the Web site to access the links underlined in this activity.
Activity 5 - Animal Diversity
Planning Ahead
Materials:
Animal Diversity student E-Sheet (Note: This student E-Sheet helps students access
the Where Can Animals Live? online book, which is used in the Development
section.)
Where Can Animals Live? teacher sheet
The Adventures of Marco and Polo, by Dieter Wiesmuller
Motivation
To introduce the lesson, present a living animal or plant as a hands-on classroom example.
Ask students to talk about, or draw things, that they observe. Then, have them share their
observations with the class.
Ask students:
What do you see, hear, smell, or feel as you observe this plant/or animal?
How can plants/or animals be like each other?
How can they be different from each other?
Explain to students that theyre about to see an online book with pictures of many animals.
Their job is to observe things about these animals and to gure out how they are alike and
different from each other. Another thing students will study is where these animals live andwhy they can live there successfully.
Development
Using the Animal Diversity student E-Sheet, present the Where Can Animals Live? online
book to the class. Pause as each graphic is displayed and ask students the questions shown
with the pictures one at a time. Encourage independent questions and discussion.
Stimulate students thinking about the animals theyre observing and why they live in certain
places by asking questions such as:
Where does this [animal] live?
Do you think it could live in [somewhere different]? Why or why not?
Do you think [something else] also could live in this [animals] environment? Why or
why not?
8/3/2019 Colorado; Teachers Guide for Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park Activity Book - Arapahoe County
40/84
35
Source http://www.sciencelinks.com/lessons_printable.cfm?DocID=395
Note: Go the Web site to access the links underlined in this activity.
Activity 5 - Animal Diversity
As the class goes through the online book, students answers will vary. Encourage them to
focus on true similarities of the animals in relation to their environments. See the Where Can
Animals Live? teacher sheet for sample student responses.
Assessment
Ask a series of questions to tie together student observations during the lesson. Ask students:
What are some ways in which all of these animals are alike?
How are they different?
What are some features that help animals live in cold environments? In hot
environments? In forests or in the water?
To illustrate the main concepts of the lesson, read the book titled The Adventures of Marco
and Polo by Dieter Wiesmuller. This story explores the life of a monkey (Marco) and
penguin (Polo) that become friends. They visit each others homes and decide that theyd like
to live together. However, when they try to do that, they realize that they each have their own
needs and need to live in their own environments.
Use this story (or another one like it) to illustrate ideas in the related benchmark for this
lesson: Stories sometimes give plants and animals attributes they really do not have.
Extensions
Younger students can study animal features more closely through the Friends of the NationalZoo Coloring Pages. These pages offer outlined images of eight animals (lion, amingo,
giant panda, giraffe, komodo dragon, orangutan, sea lion, and toucan) that can be printed out
for coloring.
If your computers brows