How's the water?
Scientific Testing of Water Quality and Why It Matters
During this exploration, students look to understand the concept of water quality, and the ways in which water quality effects our everyday lives. The lesson also hits key concepts such as water and air pollution, key elements and compounds that act as pollutants, and touches on elements of pH, acids and bases for older students.
In a guided discussion, Adrian College Teacher Education and Biology students talk with visiting students about the consequences of water pollution on our ecosystems, pointing out the effects on water sources nearby. Point specific and non-point specific pollution examples are then shared with the students to develop a greater understanding of different ways ecosystems can become polluted. Pollutants such as chlorine, nitrates and phosphates are discussed with students. For older students with a basic knowledge of pH, the effects of acids and bases are also incorporated into this lesson.
In a guided discussion, Adrian College Teacher Education and Biology students talk with visiting students about the consequences of water pollution on our ecosystems, pointing out the effects on water sources nearby. Point specific and non-point specific pollution examples are then shared with the students to develop a greater understanding of different ways ecosystems can become polluted. Pollutants such as chlorine, nitrates and phosphates are discussed with students. For older students with a basic knowledge of pH, the effects of acids and bases are also incorporated into this lesson.
Laboratory Experience
Students get to participate in an outdoor laboratory experience set up to experience water sample testing. Students test water samples from a pond at Graves farm, Adrian College tap water, distilled water, and a mystery sample of water. Groups are each assigned a type of pollutant to test for, using test kits from Flinn Scientific. This data is then charted and compared in order to understand different pollutants and their effects on water, through which the water quality of the samples is determined.