La Selva Biological Station,Costa Rica

Chemical & Biotic Analysis of

Water & Soil: "Going Bananas"

 

Materials
photos
Data
Copper
Nitrates
soil pH
References
rubrick
Classroom

 

Take It Back to the Classroom

Water quality testing is something that is applicable to any biological, chemistry, environmental science, or life science course. It is an appropriate activity for the middle or high school level. It is something that engages students outside of the classroom and allows them to learn about the environment around them. For teachers who do not live near a body of water, the outflow from a chemical plant or sewage treatment plant could be tested.

Time Budget

Experimental Design

 approximately 2 hours

Preparation Time (Materials)

 15 minutes

Field Time

 1 hour per site (4 sites)

Biological Observation & Chemical Testing

 1 hour per site (4 sites)

Data Analysis

 30 minutes