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Earthworks
Earth System Science for Secondary Teachers
Erin Rittenhouse (Earthworks 2003)
rittkid@yahoo.com
How Does Pollution Affect Water Quality?
Grade level: 10-11
Content Area: Second level of Integrated Science
Time: ~1 month (more if El Nino or La Nino conditions present)
Standards:
- Global currents in atmosphere, oceans
- Molecular chemistry (i.e., bonding, concentrations, factors affecting dissolving process)
- Ecology (Photosynthesis, respiration, nitrification; cycles-carbon, oxygen, water)
Background knowledge/skills: Atomic structure; global heating, currents; Ecology-roles of organisms, cycles; sampling techniques
Objectives: Students will determine how pollution from local energy plants and storm drain discharge affects local water quality. Students will practice "good science" in gathering and analyzing data
Materials: Water testing equipment, microscopes, internet research, access to testing sites, test data from the plant
Procedures: Check to make sure there is something to test for!
- Choose research sites
- Collect data
- Analyze data
- Make conclusions
Assessment: Student test unknown to get accurate data; research paper/project; design warning system for pollution and present to class; take quizzes on subject matter.
Enrichment/Reflection: Students design a warning system to alert the public of hazardous conditions
Resources: Location near polluted and clean locations; water sampling kits; support staff
Barriers: Lack of funding, support from administrators, lack of enthusiasm from students.
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