OVERVIEW

In this project, students learn how to measure pH and what pH tells you about the health of lakes, rivers, and ponds. They learn the concept of bioremediation and that certain plants can improve water quality. They use pH to monitor water over time. They learn the importance of controls and duplication in science experiments.

Testing for pH can help scientists determine if something is wrong with the water supply. Scientists have found that certain water plants can change the pH and improve the quality of water. In this project, students learn about pH and how to measure it. They collect daily pH readings from water tanks to determine whether tule plants change the pH level. Students will learn to use a digital pH monitor, take, and record readings and understand the concept of experimental controls and the importance of repeating experiments to validate results

For more information on long term project, click on TEACHER.

DOCENT LESSONS AT A GLANCE
The lessons below will be taught by trained docents with the teacher present in the lab. For detailed lessons click on  DOCENT.

Lesson 1. DESIGNING A WATERSHED
Students learn what a watershed is and how water and pollutants move throughout a watershed. Activities include looking at maps to find streams, storm drains and sewer lines in the local region. Students then make their own three-dimensional models of a watershed.

Lesson 2. ELEMENTS, COMPOUNDS AND POLLUTANTS
Students learn about elements in common pollutants. They use the periodic table to find information on a variety of element samples and compounds. They then fill in a chart showing what elements are found in vehicle and road related pollutants.

Lesson 3. SOLVENTS AND SOLUTES –
Students learn about the special properties of water and how pollutants dissolve in water. They perform experiments using various materials to see which of them dissolve in water and whether water temperature increases the speed of dissolving.

Lesson 4. POLLUTED, DIRTY AND CLEAN WATER
Students explore the designations "polluted", "dirty" and "clean" for water and learn that what is healthful water for one organism may not be for another. Activities include mixing various materials with water and determining if the water is then polluted. Students will use a microscope.

Lesson 5. CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS 
Students learn about properties of wetlands and examine two wetland plants (tules and cattails) that can help clean the water and add dissolved oxygen. They compare soil samples from hydric soil (pond soil) with non-hydric soil (soil formed under drier conditions) and learn that hydric soil can help filter water through microbial action.

Lesson 6. FILTERING WATER
Students review the water cycle in depth, especially evaporation, transpiration, and infiltration, focusing on how polluted water can be naturally cleaned by passing through soil layers (infiltration). For their activity, students make dirty water and then experiment with various filtration methods to try to get the cleanest water they can.