Nitrogen- or phosphorus-based fertilizers, used in agriculture, can run off into nearby waterways during periods of heavy rain or high flow and cause harmful blooms (Paerl et al. 2016), low oxygen (Joyce 2000), and decreased biodiversity (Sebens 1994). Studies of the effects wetlands can have on water and habitat quality (Verhoeven and Meuleman 1999) have shown that they contain many highly productive microorganisms that can improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients (Johnston 1991). Additionally, wetlands feature a multitude of aquatic, terrestrial, and microbial organisms and can retain water during periods of high flow (Junk et al. 2006). Wetlands are a vital ecosystem, and provide supporting, regulatory, provisioning, and cultural services. Focusing on wetlands is an opportunity for students to learn more about ecosystem interactions, human impact, and management strategies for water bodies affected by runoff. The authors designed a lesson to expand on the idea of ecosystem services and allowed ninth-grade students to construct a scientific model of an ideal wetland. The students explored clean water and discussed strategies to make "dirty" water "clean" or pristine. This lesson allows students to gain an understanding of how natural systems can help mitigate negative human impact on the environment.