Effects of Sea-Level Rise in Watersheds Lesson

http://www.epa.gov/surf/

lesson by Melanie Jenkins using this web site

Objective

Students will compare their field data with data taken by the EPA over the course of the school year. In a long term study can students see any effects of sea-level rise in their watershed?

National Standards

A. Teachers of science plan an inquiry-based science program for their students.
C. Teachers of science engage in ongoing assessment of their teaching and of student learning.
D. Teachers of science design and manage learning environments that provide students with the time, space, and resources needed for learning science.

Summary

Students will use the computer to access the "Surf Your Watershed" site and gain real time data from their local watershed and compare it with field data that they have taken themselves.

Prerequisites

Appropriate for grades 7 and up

Materials & Equipment

Computer with internet access
Field testing equipment:
- freshwater kick net
- field guides to identify macroinvertebrates, insects, fish
- water quality test kit

Procedure

Students can enjoy learning basics about their watershed from the web site:

http://www.epa.gov/surf/

They will learn some background material and some specifics about watershed conditions and vulnerability in their specific locality.

With on-site visits to the same creeks or rivers, students can take down water quality data: pH, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide levels, nitrate levels, phosphate levels, ammonia levels, check for turbidity, check for water flow. Checking the biotic data may take a little more skill because they have to capture the organisms and then key them out. There are charts which indicate stream health in relation to organisms found in the water which will help them assess water quality.

Some historical research can help them determine watershed vulnerability. Has the population in the area under gone dramatic growth and development lately? Are wetlands being filled? Are farmers allowing runoff? How is urban runoff handled in the area?

Assessment

Students will form a hypothesis about the general health of their stream or river. After testing and checking the web site they will have to write a conclusion to support this hypothesis or void it.

Extension

This web site also has some air quality data. Students can take some measurements and make comparisons about air quality also.

Resources

http://www.epa.gov/surf/
http://www.epa.gov/owowwtr1/NPS/wtrshd.html
http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~mwc/watershd.htm
http://earth1.epa.gov/nep/text/nep.htm
http://inlet.geol.sc.edu/estnet.html

Woodrow Wilson Leadership Program in Environmental Science

lpt@www.woodrow.org
The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation

webmaster@woodrow.org
CN 5281, Princeton NJ 08543-5281

Tel:(609)452-7007

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