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.
Water Quality
.Students will examine the effects of different nutrients on freshwater systems and will test various water samples to determine the presence of phosphates, nitrates, and levels of pH. The students will learn more about phosphates and nitrates via an explanation of an EnviroScape model. Students will then look at the effects of excess nutrients on the watershed as a whole.
*This lesson may occur outdoors beneath a tent or indoors if weather is severe*
*This lesson may occur outdoors beneath a tent or indoors if weather is severe*
Benchmarks Covered
MS-ETS1- 1
Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
MS-ETS1- 2
Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
5-ESS3- 1
Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
MS-ESS3- 3
Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
MS-ETS1- 2
Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
5-ESS3- 1
Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
MS-ESS3- 3
Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
S.IP.M.1 Inquiry involves generating questions, conducting investigations, and developing solutions to problems through reasoning and observations
S.IP.05.11 Generate scientific questions based on observations, investigations, and research
S.RS.05.17 Describe the effect humans and other organisms have on the balance in the natural world.
S.IP.06.15 Construct charts and graphs from data and observations.
S.IP.06.16 Identify patterns in data.
S.IA.06.11 Analyze information from data tables and graphs to answer scientific questions.
S.IA.06.12 Evaluate data, claims, and personal knowledge through collaborative science discourse.