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Earthworks
Earth System Science for Secondary Teachers
Water Quality Project
Grade level: 9
Content Area: Global Science
Time: 4 weeks
Standards: Inquiry, investigation, communication, systems, chem./phys properties
Background knowledge/skills: Students will have already discussed water quality as it relates to biological activity. This project will provide a link between the water unit and the geology unit. Students should have a working knowledge of pH, dissolved ions, and basic geology, as well as a working knowledge of the resource extraction history of the local area.
Objectives:
Students will be able to track some water quality parameters related to mineral extraction impacts. Students will be able to pose a question, collect data, draw conclusions, and relate information to a geographical and historical framework. Students will become familiar with GPS and GIS applications.
Materials: pH meter, conductivity, metals tests, GPS, GIS, internet, historical reading materials.
Procedures: ??
Assessment: Final write-up including appropriate format, data analysis, conclusions, and evaluations. Participation in closing discussion.
Enrichment/Reflection: May have students complete additional testing in areas near their homes so that the mapped database could be increased. Additional credit available.
Resources: Appropriate natural site. Computers and GIS software, motivated students, peer support, possible parental involvement.
Barriers: I don't have GPS units yet...hopefully a grant to come. Need to further develop connections between hydrology and geology.
Strategies:
- I plan to write a grant proposal for GPS units and digital camera equipment. Any suggestions would be welcome.
- I want to further investigate the geological impact of local landscape on the water quality.
- I am also considering adapting this to a possible chemistry project focusing more on individual metal ions present, buffering capacity, and more advanced topics of study.
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