Exploring Waterways and Erosion: A Parent's Guide to Lewis Seltzer Park Trail

Water is one of nature’s most powerful forces, shaping landscapes and ecosystems over time. With the recent rains, Lewis Seltzer Park Trail provides a perfect setting to explore these dynamics. This homeschool lesson plan will guide you through discussing waterways and erosion with your children, providing hands-on activities and engaging facts about how rain impacts local wildlife. Let’s turn your next hike into a rich educational adventure!

The Science of Waterways and Erosion

What Are Waterways?

Waterways, such as streams and rivers, are nature’s sculptors, constantly reshaping the land. Explain to your kids how flowing water carves paths through soil and rock, creating valleys and shaping landscapes over time. Point out small streams along the trail and ask questions about where the water comes from and where it might be going.

Understanding Erosion

Erosion is the process of soil and rock being moved by natural forces like water, wind, and gravity. On the trail, look for exposed tree roots, washed-out paths, or sediment deposits. These are clues that erosion is actively reshaping the environment. Discuss how human activities, such as hiking, can also contribute to erosion and what we can do to minimize our impact.

Hands-On Activities

• Erosion Hunt: Have kids identify signs of erosion, such as gullies, displaced soil, or water-carved channels.

• Water Flow Experiment: Pour a small amount of water onto different surfaces (sand, soil, rocks) and observe how quickly it moves and absorbs.

• Nature Journaling: Have kids draw or take notes on what they see and reflect on how water changes the environment over time.

Local Wildlife and Rain’s Impact

Benefits of Rain

Rain provides water for plants, replenishes streams, and creates temporary pools for animals. Look for signs of fresh growth, new plant life, or increased animal activity along the trail.

Potential Challenges

Heavy rains can also disrupt habitats. Some animals may thrive, while others struggle. Discuss how burrowing animals like gophers and insects might be displaced, while amphibians such as frogs benefit from wetter conditions.

Observation Tips

• Look for animal tracks in the mud after a rain.

• Listen for frogs or birds that may be more active near water.

• Notice changes in plant life, such as fresh sprouts or flowers.

Curriculum Connections and Tips for Parents

Integrating Lessons

• Science: Explore concepts of erosion, the water cycle, and weather impacts.

• Geography: Discuss how rivers shape land over time and why certain areas flood.

• Art: Sketch erosion patterns or water movement.

Engaging Kids

• Turn observations into a scavenger hunt.

• Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think would happen if it rained for a week straight?”

• Let kids make predictions about how the landscape will change over time.

Safety and Preparation

• Wear appropriate footwear, as trails may be muddy.

• Bring a magnifying glass to examine small erosion patterns and wildlife.

• Pack a notebook and pencils for note-taking and sketches.

Home Project: Erosion in Action

Encourage kids to create a simple erosion model at home. Using a tray, soil, and water, they can simulate how water moves soil and shapes landscapes. This hands-on project reinforces what they’ve learned on the trail and deepens their understanding of erosion.

Exploring waterways and erosion at Lewis Seltzer Park Trail offers a unique opportunity to blend outdoor adventure with hands-on learning. By observing natural processes and engaging in discussions, kids will gain a deeper appreciation for the environment. Continue exploring local trails and observing changes in nature—every hike is a new lesson waiting to unfold!