In this section

Odyssey home

About Odyssey

Read an overview of the program and its objectives.

How it works

See the steps to take to use Odyssey in your classroom.

Grade-level curricula

Read an overview of what each grade level teaches, resources that are available and how the program correlates to Florida’s Sunshine State Standards.

• Third–grade overview
• Fourth–grade overview
• Fifth–grade overview
• Sunshine State Standards/5Es

Workshops

Learn about the kinds of workshops available and how you can participate.

Try games online

See how these learning tools in Odyssey provide fun to students while learning.

Support

Find information on technical support.

Contacts

Know who to contact to get started with Odyssey.

Teachers and students home

Fifth-grade curriculum

As Raleigh Otter says, when the townspeople use their water resources wisely while conserving and reusing, Olliewood is a great place to live. This will be even truer if Olliewood can build a water park in the fifth-grade version of The Great Water Odyssey^SM. But first Hydro and Agua will need the help of farmers, residents and the mayor of Olliewood.

While trying to get enough points to build a water park, students learn about the biology of farming and landscaping, they reinforce math skills, and they learn to meet the needs of a town while maintaining water levels necessary to support natural systems. Rewarding games include Design a Landscape, Water’s Journey and Watering Woes.

Water in the community

Mayor Ollie is in a bind. Olliewood is growing and its residents wants to build a water park, but the mayor needs to find ways to ensure that there is enough water for everyone. Hydro, Agua and a mouse named Doc step in to help. They get a lesson in civics and leave clues around town for students to find that help the mayor plan for the future.

Waterwise landscaping

Francois the Caterpillar is surprised when Hydro and Agua transpire into the garden where he lives. The waterdrops are happy to learn that it’s a waterwise garden, where factors such as rainfall, soil type, plants’ water requirements and responsible landscaping are used to determine what plants go where. Francois is more than happy to give them a colorful tour.

Down on the farm

Farming is an important industry in Florida, and Hydro and Agua are proud to learn how important water is in farming. After Hydro realizes Betty Moo the Cow isn’t out to drink or step on him, he explores her farm through an interactive map and learns the complex science behind agriculture.

If they succeed, our fun-loving waterdrops may never be bored again. They’ll be water heroes and may even get to name the new water park!

Resources

Spring 2004 Pins and Needles — Forest Discovery Center newsletter