Watershed Unit

This is the watershed page. During this unit, students will be learning about the water cycle, what a watershed is, different forms of pollution, how to test the quality of water in local rivers and streams, and different methods of preserving and protecting our waterways. We will be taking one field trip during which the students will be performing as field scientists and determining the health of their assigned streams. To assist you during this unit, this webpage will provide you with website links related to the watershed unit, in-class and homework lab forms, and updates on science events including field trips. 

Watershed Resources and Lab Forms

Urban Watershed Runoff
For this lab, the students looked at the effects of land use as it relates to stormwater runoff. They simulated a watershed in both a naturally vegetated area and an urban area.

Mysterious Solutions Lab Sheet
For this in-class lab, the students were able to test the pH levels of various liquids, including milk, lemon juice, bleach, and vinegar by using red cabbage water as a pH indicator.

Fred the Fish
During this lab, the students were guided through a story of Fred the Fish swimming on an adventure and the pollutants he encountered along the way. We then processed the effects of these pollutants on Fred's habitat. Click here to access the website this activity comes from.

Watershed Quiz 1
This quiz puts focus on water cycle terms. Students are responsible for knowing the different phases of the water cycle, their definitions, and how to label a diagram.

Critter Detectives
For this activity, students will see pictures of various macroinvertebrates (critters) and will use identification posters to identify the critters. This lab is meant to prepare the students for this portion of the watershed field trip.

Robocow 1
This is a fun animation that shows "Robocow" as she finds pollution problems in rural areas, explains the impact, and then finds solutions.

Robocow 2
Robocow makes a comeback, tackling the pollution problems of a big city.

Watershed Field Trip Permission Slip
This permission slip includes dates, times, and what to remember the day of the trips.

Watershed Alternate Schedules
Due to the field trips, we need to run an alternate block schedule. Click here to see what the week will look like.

Pollution Slide Show
This slide show illustrates the two types of pollution and some of their causes. This also shows some Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Pollution Slide Show Guide
This guide will be used along with the pollution slide show.

Watershed Final
Click here to see the requirements for the 3-part watershed final. Your child is allowed to work on this final at home but it should be with limited assistance.

Last Updated: 3/2/12