Apologia Biology: Watershed Project

One of my favorite projects is Watersheds because there are so many resources.  A watershed study can involve technology, online research, projects, and field studies.  Perfect. Start with the GlOBE Watershed Dynamics Project which starts with concepts maps and Fieldscope lessons, an online mapping program.  These are free!  Here's how I approach this program.  First, I introduce Cacapon Institute's eschool and give kids a chance to try some of the activities.  In the next session, the kids download the mapping tools to their computers and make a cmap with watershed terms.  Next, the students test-drive a Fieldscope activity.  Then, I introduce GLOBE and explain that the Watershed Dynamics project is one of their initiatives.  Give the kids time to work through the activities on their computers.  I borrow an Enviroscape Model; check with your local Soil and Water Conservation District.  Chance are they will know who has a model or who can bring one to share a program.  The model has a script; I use the model to go over challenges, 'best management practivpces', remediation, etc.  We take a field trip to a local stream to collect data: nitrates, turbidity, pH, temperature.  We take photos and make notes about the stream.  The kids collect macroinvertebrates and draw conclusions about the health of the stream.  Then, we plan an action project.  This can be planting trees to mitigate excess stor water runoff or stenciling storm drains.  The kids may want to install a rain barrel or a rain chain.  This type of program is typically on-going over a period of months.  Our Co-op has some equipment: Pasco probeware to collect pH and temperature data, a LaMotte Water Test Kit, Benthic Macro ID cards, nets, buckets, and ice-cube trays.  The creek is right behind our church where the Co-op meets.  I don't know about the kids-but, I'm psyched to get started!  Quick update.  Flinn's Where on Earth is Water? just posted and dovetails with the watershed lesson.