A Lesson on the Everglades for Ms. Joy Denbow Geography Class / Exploring the Everglades: A Unique Wetland

Introduction (10 minutes):

1. Ask students: “Have you ever heard of the Everglades?”

2. Show map and point out Florida. Explain that the Everglades are in southern Florida, USA 

3. Brief explanation:

The Everglades are a large wetland (a place where land and water meet)

It is sometimes called a “river of grass” 

Elementary Geography Lesson Plan: The Everglades

Grade Level:

3rd–5th Grade

Subject:

Geography / Social Studies

Lesson Duration:

45–60 minutes

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify where the Everglades are located on a map
• Explain what a wetland is
• Describe at least two animals or plants that live in the Everglades
• Understand why the Everglades are important

Materials Needed:

• Map of the United States (or digital projection)
• Picture/video of the Everglades
• Crayons/markers
• Worksheet or blank paper

Direct Instruction (15 minutes):

Key Facts (Kid-Friendly):

• The Everglades are a huge marsh or wetland in Florida [kids.britannica.com]
• Water moves slowly across the land like a shallow river [kids.kiddle.co]
• Many plants and animals live there, including:
  • Alligators
  • Birds
  • Turtles [kids.britannica.com]

Explain Geography Connection:

• Geography helps us learn about places on Earth
• The Everglades show how land, water, weather, and animals work together

Guided Practice Activity (15 minutes):

Activity: Draw and Label the Everglades

Students will:

1. Draw a simple picture of the Everglades
2. Include:
   • Water (wetland)
   • Grass plants
   • At least one animal
3. Label their drawing (example: “alligators,” “water,” “grass”)

Teacher Support:

Walk around and help students describe what they include in their drawing.

Independent Practice (10 minutes):

Quick Writing Prompt:

“Why is the Everglades an important place?”

Students should write 2–3 sentences such as:

• It is home to animals
• It provides water
• It is a special environment

Assessment:

Students will be assessed based on:

• Participation in discussion
• Completed drawing with labels
• Written response

Closure (5 minutes):

Review with students:

• Where are the Everglades? (Florida)
• What type of place is it? (Wetland)
• Why is it important?

Ask: “What was one cool thing you learned today?”

https://kids.kiddle.co/Everglades

https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Everglades/353113

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/nature/article/everglades

Everglades Geography Worksheet

Name: _______________________ Date: ___________

Part 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. The Everglades are located in the state of ____________.
2. The Everglades are a type of __________ (land with water).
3. The Everglades are sometimes called the “________________ of grass.”
4. One animal that lives in the Everglades is an ____________.
5. Water in the Everglades moves very ____________ (fast/slow).

Part 2: Multiple Choice (Circle the Correct Answer)

1. The Everglades are mostly: a) Desert

2. b) Wetland
   
   c) Mountain

3. Which of these animals lives in the Everglades? a) Polar bear
   
   b) Alligator
   
   c) Penguin

4. The Everglades are important because: a) They are empty land
   
   b) They are full of animals and plants
   
   c) They are made of rocks only