The Wetlands MEL
Below are links to resources that will help students use the Wetlands MEL and learn more about the competing views of wetlands.
Overview
This article provides an introduction to the Wetlands MEL plus suggestions from classroom use including implementation advice, insights into the lines of evidence that challenge students' thinking, and the rationale for using MEL diagrams to address socio-scientific issues that focus on value to society.
Wetlands: Good or Bad? (Acrobat (PDF) 388kB Jun4 18)Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations
HS-ESS3-5: Earth and Human Activity
- Create a computational simulation to illustrate the relationship among the management of natural resources, the sustainability of human populations, and biodiversity.
HS-ESS3-4: Earth and Human Activity
- Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
The Models
Model A: Wetlands provide ecosystem services that contribute to human welfare and help sustain the biosphere.
Model B: Wetlands are a nuisance to humans and provide little overall environmental benefit.
Student Handouts
- Wetlands Model Plausibility Ratings (Acrobat (PDF) 140kB Jun4 18)
- Wetlands MEL – Diagram (Acrobat (PDF) 26kB Feb8 21)
- Explanation Task (Acrobat (PDF) 125kB Feb8 21)
Lines of Evidence

![[creative commons]](/images/creativecommons_16.png)
Evidence #1: Wetlands play a role in the global cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. Wetlands change these nutrients into different forms necessary to continue their global cycles.
Evidence #2: Flooding is a natural occurrence in low-lying areas and wetlands are places where floodwaters can collect.
Evidence #3: Wetlands contribute 70 percent of global atmospheric methane from natural sources.
Evidence #4: Many wetlands are located in rapidly developing areas of the country.
Student Handouts
- Wetlands MEL – Evidence Texts BW (Acrobat (PDF) 514kB Jun4 18)
- Wetlands MEL – Evidence Texts Color (Acrobat (PDF) 410kB Jun4 18)
Other Resources
This Plausibility Ranking Task (PRT), which may be completed prior to using any MELs, helps students to understand the role of evidence in supporting or refuting models.
- Plausibility Ranking Task (Acrobat (PDF) 20kB Feb8 21)
Digital Resources
This site from the EPA, Wetlands Protection and Restoration, helps individuals learn about wetlands, understand the science of wetlands, find out how the EPA, state, and tribal government efforts are protecting wetlands and how individuals can become involved in preserving this natural resource.