Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences

Earthworks
Earth System Science for Secondary Teachers

Jonathan Fuhrer (Earthworks 1999)
jsfuh@aol.com

Incorporate Trimester Chemistry Unit For 8th Grade Physical Science With Riverwatch

Have 3 students from each class collect samples on a weekly basis -run battery of tests after school.

Teach 1 or 2 concepts per week in chem using water testing as a context: pH, ions, solubility, precipitates, temp and DO saturation.

In groups, have students monitor one or two variables -design research questions (effects on biodiversity, treatability, chemical reaction involved in treating contaminants to acceptable levels) -culminate with group research paper and presentation.

Resources needed: Support of other teachers to help this rookie incorporate into curriculum and organize!!!

• Water test kits
• Spreadsheet
• Easy access to stream site
• Buses for field trip to another site for comparison.