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The curriculum is written with an attention to scope and sequence. The flexibility characteristic of the manuals curriculum enables it to be incorporated into the schools curriculum, or activities can be selectively chosen to reinforce the objectives consistent with the National Standards. With appropriate background development, activities may be used independently with a variety of groups. The curriculum is developed in four sections: Estuarine Ecology, Lesson Levels I, II, and III. The Estuarine Ecology section provides information about Estuarine Factors and Processes, Interactions in Ecosystems, Habitats and Communities, People and Estuaries, Metadata, and Data Management. A glossary and reference sections provide detailed information. The lessons are divided into three levels, each containing 14 activities that address topics in the four primary high school science disciplines: biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. Level 1 introduces students to watershed variables and processes through hands-on classroom activities. In addition, these topics are investigated using current water quality monitoring data available on the Internet. In level 2, students develop and utilize a water-sampling plan that is then applied to a local stream site. Level 3 incorporates quality assurance into action plans. Students focus on improving the quality of data they collect. After completing appropriate metadata, water quality data collected by Estuary-Net participants are sent to a homepage on the Internet. Students are encouraged to explore data collected in other watersheds throughout state and country. Other reference materials about estuaries, as well as specific information about all NERR sites can be found on the Estuary-Net homepage. This version of the curriculum includes telecommunications intended to be used by classrooms in states with a cooperating National Estuarine Research Reserve. However, anyone is welcome to use the curriculum without the telecommunications component.
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