5

Science
Quarter 2 – Module 7:
Conservation and Protection of
Estuaries and Intertidal Zones

CO_Q2_Science 5_ Module 7
Science – Grade 5
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 7: Conservation and Protection of Estuaries and Intertidal Zones
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, Section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of
the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office
wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such
agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
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Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership
over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Arlyn P. Cayobit
Editors: Jerry A. Serdeña, Melanie P. Enriquez
Reviewer: Nimfa Liad, Allan Carl B. Gumera, Dennis V. Bondos
Illustrator: Brian Jessen M. Dignos
Layout Artist: Ismael T. Posion, Bella C. Alberca, Henrissa M. Sible,
Paolo John D. Bretaña
Management Team: Ramir B.Uytico, Manuel P. Albaño, Arnulfo M. Balane
Henrietta T. Managbanag, Rosemarie M. Guino
Sherlita A. Palma, Joy B. Bihag, Felicidad T. Espinosa
Ryan R. Tiu, Ismael T. Posion, Rowena T. Vacal
Mauricio M. Catan, Socorro B. Ausa

Printed in the Philippines by ________________________

Department of Education – Region VIII

Office Address: Government Center, Candahug, Palo, Leyte

Telefax: 053-323-3156

E-mail Address: region8@deped.gov.ph

 5

Science
Quarter 2 – Module 7:
Conservation and Protection of
Estuaries and Intertidal Zones
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners, can
continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions,
exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each
lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-
step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each SLM.
This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you
need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better
understanding of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer
the post-test to self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each
activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are also
provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how
they can best help you on your home-based learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part
of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests.
And read the instructions carefully before performing each task.

If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the
tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.

Thank you.
 What I Need to Know

Aquatic ecosystems make up 75% of the Earth’s surface and help maintain
the ecological balance on Earth. They are home to a wide array of organisms which
can provide various benefits to humans. Aquatic ecosystems, like estuaries and
intertidal zones, also act as huge sponges that help prevent floods. They also protect
streams, rivers, channels, and coastal shores from excessive erosion. They are
considered as one of the richest ecosystems on earth that consist abundant
resources of marine life. However, due to human activities, they are also subject for
loss and destructions of some aquatic species. Most of our intertidal zones and
estuaries are already under threat. Some of them are extensively polluted by man’s
industrial activities. Thus, we should protect and conserve these ecosystems before
it is too late.

In this module, you will be able to:

1. explain the importance of estuaries and intertidal zones and why do we

need to protect them; and

2. enumerate ways of conserving and protecting our estuaries and intertidal

zones.

Note: Write all the answers of the activities in a separate sheet.

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CO_Q2_Science 5_ Module 7
 What I Know

Directions: Complete the following statements about caring for estuaries and
intertidal zones by filling in the blanks with the words inside the box.

aquatic reuse organic

plant report overharvesting
toxic follow pollution
drainage

1. ______________materials and limit the use of plastic products.

2. Use ____________fertilizers instead of synthetic or artificial fertilizers.
3. Handle _________ organisms such as fishes and seagrasses with care and respect
their habitat.
4. Avoid using ____________ pesticides to prevent pollution on nearby waterways.
5. Help __________ native vegetation alongside rivers to prevent erosion.
6. ________ to your local officials observed activities that could endanger marine life.
7. Avoid __________ of marine species that can threaten sustainability of estuaries.
8. Dispose your trash properly to avoid ___________.
9. Keep chemical wastes out of __________ to prevent flowing to streams and
estuaries.
10. ____________ safe boating practices to avoid disturbance of species.

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CO_Q2_Science 5_ Module 7
 What’s In

Directions: Examine the illustration given. Copy the table below and list down at
least 5 biotic and 5 abiotic components of the illustrated ecosystem on
your answer sheet.

Biotic Factors Abiotic Factors

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CO_Q2_Science 5_ Module 7
 What’s New

Directions: Read and understand the poem entitled “Mother Nature”.

Mother Nature
Arlyn P. Cayobit

Glassy and clear waters in the oceans and seas,

Blue skies with cotton puffs of white clouds on the breeze,
Mangroves and sea grass meadows in sparkling dew,
Fresh air touching one’s soul in calming view,
Such are wonderful gifts of our Mother Nature.

But population burst with some humans selfish and cruel,

Urban and industrial development changed mother nature,
Breaking her heart with sorrow and pain,
Overharvesting marine species for more gain,
Dredging of sand done and no one seems to care.

Clean sands covered with shattered trash thrown in haste,

Clear water turns dark with improperly disposed wastes,
Dynamite fishing makes aquatic species weep,
Excessive use of chemicals households do keep,
Air we breathe is exhausting, it isn’t fair.

Destructions of man must come to end,

For nature’s revenge is cruel and hard to mend,
Take care of the environment providing our needs,
Start now, correct the wrong ways and deeds,
Take part! Conserve and protect our mother nature.

After reading the poem, answer the questions below. Write your answers on your
answer sheet.

Comprehension Check

1. What is the poem all about?

2. What are the human activities mentioned in the poem that can harm the
environment like intertidal zones and estuaries?
3. Why do we need to take good care of our environment?
4. How can you help protect and conserve our mother nature?

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CO_Q2_Science 5_ Module 7
 What is It

Intertidal zones and estuaries are examples of bodies of water which are home
to various life forms such as fishes, sea grasses, sea stars, crabs, shrimps, sea shells,
mangroves, sea urchins and others. Intertidal zone, commonly known as sea shore
or coast, is where tides are observed. This area within “tidal range” is covered during
high tide and exposed during low tide, thus named “Intertidal Zone”. Estuary,
however, is a body of water in which sea water meets with fresh water. It connects
rivers to the sea.

Intertidal zone Estuary

Intertidal zones and estuaries are important bodies of water because they
provide a lot of benefits. These areas are home to a lot of plants and animals which
provide food, medicine, and other products. They also serve as a breeding ground
and nursery of young aquatic animals. They also protect us from big waves, strong
winds, and even during storms. They also serve as the exit point of water during
floods. Estuaries filter salt from the sea water. These areas also give significant
contribution to tourism, agriculture and fisheries, and our economy as a whole.

Because of its importance, we should take care of these bodies of water. We

need to protect and conserve these places. As a youth, you can do simple things at
home and in your community to help these ecosystems, such as properly disposing
and segregating our garbage and other waste materials at home. You can also tell
and encourage your parents and neighbors to use organic fertilizer, grow plants that
need less water, help in the activities in your barangays on cleaning these places
and encourage classmates and friends not to disturb animals and plants in their
natural habitat. Putting coconut fiber mat, planting marsh grass and mussels bed
are some activities that can protect our estuaries and intertidal zones. There are still
other ways we can do to help our environment. Can you think of some?

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CO_Q2_Science 5_ Module 7
 Moreover, sustaining the stability of these bodies of water is also a significant
factor that we could do as stewards of mother earth. We should avoid some practices
that would contribute to the destruction of estuaries and intertidal zones. Industrial
pollution, overharvesting of aquatic species, dredging, draining and paving over
estuarine waterways, oil spills and population growth in coastal watersheds are some
threats to estuaries and intertidal zones. Thus, in order to conserve and protect
these, let’s help one another and do our part as good citizens and guardians of God’s
creation.

What’s More

Activity 1

Directions: Draw a happy face ( ) if the statement states a way of protecting and
conserving estuaries and intertidal zones. If it does not, draw a sad face
( ).

______1. Dispose toxic products properly.

______2. Use disposable plastic bags rather than reusable ones.

______3. Encourage fishermen not to engage in dynamite fishing.

______4. Let your pet’s waste be washed up to waterways.

______5. Respect animals that you find along the seashore.

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CO_Q2_Science 5_ Module 7
Activity 2

Directions: Draw the diagram below on your answer sheet. Complete the concept web
by choosing 5 practices that contribute to the destruction of estuaries
and intertidal zones from the box that follow.

DESTRUCTIONS OF
ESTUARIES AND
INTERTIDAL ZONES

 Plant trees or seagrasses.

 Conserve water in your daily life.
 Practice dynamite fishing.
 Dump waste materials on bodies of water.
 Encourage children in catching young aquatic animals.
 Spill crude oil and other substances in the bodies of water.
 Follow proper disposal directions on some of your household materials.
 Increase the number of bacteria or viruses in aquatic ecosystem.

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CO_Q2_Science 5_ Module 7
Activity 3

Directions: Write True if the statement is correct and False if it is not. Write your
answers on your answer sheet.

1. Improperly disposed household chemicals can harm our water supply.

2. Homes of vital marine life like estuaries should be treated with carelessness.
3. Growing native plants in your garden would need less water and fertilizer.
4. Disposal of solid and liquid wastes in rivers and streams helps keep
estuaries healthy.
5. Overfishing harms estuaries and intertidal zones.

What I Have Learned

Directions: Read and answer the following questions briefly. Write your answers on
your answer sheet.

1. Write five ways of protecting and conserving intertidal zones and estuaries?

1._________________________________________________________________________
2._________________________________________________________________________
3._________________________________________________________________________
4._________________________________________________________________________
5._________________________________________________________________________

2. Give five reasons why we need to protect and conserve intertidal zones and
estuaries.

1._________________________________________________________________________
2._________________________________________________________________________
3._________________________________________________________________________
4._________________________________________________________________________
5._________________________________________________________________________

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CO_Q2_Science 5_ Module 7
 What I Can Do

Directions: Copy the table in your answer sheet and fill in the answers needed on the
second and third Columns.

What can you do to

Do you observe this in
lessen or solve the
your community?
problem?
Problems Put a check (/) if you
Write an activity which
observe this problem or
you can do to solve or
put a cross (x) if it is not.
lessen the problem.
Example: I will pick those plastic
Wastes like plastic wrappers and empty
wrappers and empty √ bottles I found on the
bottles are found on our seashore and put it in the
seashores and estuaries. trash cans.
1. Farmers use toxic
pesticides for crop
treatment.
2. Members of the family
dispose household
chemicals improperly.
3. Tourists touch coral
reefs or disturb marine
life organisms
whenever visiting the
beach.
4.People are not
motivated in
participating any clean-
up drive activities in the
community.
5. Many people use
disposable plastic bags
rather than reusable
eco-bags.

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CO_Q2_Science 5_ Module 7
 Assessment

Directions: Read the questions carefully. Write the letter of the correct answer.

1. Why are estuaries important to our environment?

i. They help to filter pollutants from the water.

ii. They provide homes for many species of wildlife.
iii. They are important nursery areas for a variety of marine life.

A. i and ii B. ii and iii C. i and iii D. i, ii, and iii

2. What could estuaries do to the pollutants?

A. clean B. contaminate C. filter D. intensify

3. Who among the following DOES NOT show way of protecting and conserving
estuaries and intertidal zones?

A. Arnel dumps his wastes in a proper container.

B. Maggy limits the use of plastic products.

C. Nico uses synthetic fertilizer for his crops.

D. Rose recycles old things into something new.

4. Which of the following is the impact on the environment if estuaries were

damaged?

A. There would be drought.

B. There would be organisms that could be wiped out.

C. There would be decreased concentration of salt in the oceans.

D. There would be less boating, fishing, and swimming in local rivers.

5. Which of the following activities/situations is the MOST environment-friendly?

A. Building dams along the river.

B. Commercially developing coastal watersheds.

C. Dumping chemicals into bodies of water.

D. Constructing a water treatment plant in your area.

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CO_Q2_Science 5_ Module 7
6. Maya and her friends went to the beach. They brought food for them to eat. After
swimming and eating most of her friends left their wastes scattered on the beach.
As a friend, what would you tell them?

A. It’s okay to throw garbage in the beach.

B. Do not leave your wastes in the beach because it can cause pollution.

C. Do not bring any food when going to the beach again.

D. Ignore them.

7. Mang Berting is a fisherman. Fishing is his way of living to provide the needs of
his family. He usually used dynamite when he goes fishing even though he knows
that it is prohibited. If you are a fisherman, will you do the same as Mang Berting?
Why or why not?

A. Yes, because it is easy to catch fish using dynamite.

B. No, because many aquatic animals will die.

C. Yes, because it is the only way I can do to provide food for my family.

D. No, because I am scared to be caught by the authority.

8. As a grade 5 pupil, in what way can you protect estuaries and intertidal zones?

A.J oin organizations that promotes conversion of estuaries and intertidal

zones to commercial areas.

b. Practice actions that could put estuaries at risk.

c. Take part in coastal clean-up drives and disseminate information on the

proper care of estuaries.

d. Dispose oil and other household waste on waterways.

9. If you are a leader in the community, what would be the best title a project that
you will implement about conservation of bodies of water?

A. Live Wild and Free

B. Stay Safe and Healthy

C. Save Water, Save Life

D. Live the Life You Choose

10. How can you become a good steward of mother nature?

i. Follow safety practices imposed by the authority.

ii. Avoid using reusable materials at home.
iii. Discourage others in planting different kinds of plants.

A.i C. ii & iii

B. i & ii D. ii & iii

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CO_Q2_Science 5_ Module 7
 Additional Activities

Directions: On a separate paper, draw a poster that promotes conservation and

protection of estuaries and intertidal zones.

Rubrics for Assessment

Criteria 1 Point 2 Points 3 Points

Content Hardly shows an Shows a fair Shows a good
understanding understanding of understanding of
concepts. concepts. concepts.
Clarity Hardly makes Makes some sense. Easy to
sense. understand
Creativity Quality of work is Quality of work is Quality of work is
poor, showing no fair, showing little competent,
imagination. imagination showing some
imagination.
Note: For teacher’s use only. Do not copy.

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CO_Q2_Science 5_ Module 7
CO_Q2_Science 5_ Module 7
13
What’s In
Biotic What I Know
 Bird
1. reuse
 Deer
 Frogs 2. organic
 Flowers 3. aquatic
 Fishes
What’s New  Grasses 4. toxic
 Trees 5. plant
Possible Answers:  Turtles
 Water lilies 6. report
1. The poem talks about mother 7. overharvest
nature Abiotic
2. The human activities mentioned in  Air 8. pollution
the poem that can harm the  Water 9. drainage
environment are as follows:  Sun
10. follow
 Dumping of trashes  Log
anywhere  Land/Soil
 Population burst  Temperature
 Urban and industrial
development
 Overharvesting of marine Note: Answers of the learners may
species vary from each other based on their
 Dredging of sand appreciation of the illustration.
 Dynamite fishing
 Excessive use of household
chemicals
What’s More
3. We need to take good care of our
environment especially our aquatic Activity 1 Activity 3
ecosystem (estuaries and intertidal 1. 1. True
zones) because they provide vital
nesting, breeding and feeding 2. 2. False
habitats for many species. 3. 3. True
4. I can help to protect and conserve 4. 4. False
mother nature by helping clean the 5. 5. True
environment, doing proper waste
disposal and actively participating in
any environmental projects and Activity 2
programs.
 Encourage children in catching young aquatic
animals.
Note: Answers may vary  Dump waste materials on bodies of water.
 Spill crude oil and other substances on bodies of
water.
 Increase the number of bacteria or viruses in
aquatic ecosystem.
 Practice dynamite fishing.
Answer Key
CO_Q2_Science 5_ Module 7
14
What I Have Learned
What I Can Do Possible Answers:
Possible Answers in column 3: Five ways of protecting and conserving
intertidal zones and estuaries
1. I will suggest to the farmers to use 1. Active participation in coastal clean ups
organic pesticides in treating their 2. Reuse materials and limiting the use of
crops. plastic products
3. Support organizations that work to protect
2. I will properly dispose household and conserve aquatic habitats and marine
materials used at home such as wildlife.
detergents and disinfectants. 4. Dispose waste materials properly.
5. Practice the use of organic fertilizer rather
3. I will not disturb corals and other than synthetic fertilizer.
marine organisms when we go
swimming at the beach. Reasons why we need to protect and conserve
estuaries and intertidal zones
4. I will join coastal and river clean ups in 1. They provide essential nesting and feeding
the barangay and encourage habitats to aquatic plants and animals.
classmates and friends to do the same. 2. Without intertidal zones and estuaries, there
will be limited supply of aquatic organisms
5. I will use reusable eco-bags instead of which mostly serve as our food.
disposable plastic bags when buying 3. They protect us from big waves, strong winds
from a store. and even during storms.
4. They serve as the exit point of water during
Note: Answers may vary. floods.
5. They give significant contribution to tourism,
agriculture and fisheries and even economy.
Note: Answers may vary.
Additional Assessment
Activities 1. D
2. C
3. C
Note:Poster 4. B
Making may 5. D
vary 6. B
7. B
8. C
9. C
10. A
References

A. Book

Dela Cruz, Susana B, Marriane L Lekchareon, Gerlie R Guia, Karina Angela P Ortiz,
and Gloria Salandanan. 2018. 21st Century Science and Health. Quezon
City: Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.
Sarte, Evelyn T, Ednaliza R Garcia, Elina A Lopez, Mary Jean G Dela Cruz, and
Harold A. Arradaza. 2016. Science Beyond Borders. Quezon City: Vibal
Group, Inc.

B. Electronic Sources

"Why Estuaries Are Important". 2020. NSW Environment, Energy And Science.
https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/estuaries/about-
estuaries/why-estuaries-are-
important#:~:text=Estuaries%20support%20a%20diversity%20of,pesticides,
%20herbicides%20and%20heavy%20metals.
"What You Can Do To Help Protect Our Coastal Watersheds And Estuaries | US
EPA". 2020. US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/nep/what-you-can-do-help-
protect-our-coastal-watersheds-and-estuaries.

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CO_Q2_Science 5_ Module 7
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