| Click on the title to view more information about a particular curriculum. |
| Curricula Name |
Description |
| 4-H Sportfishing Aquatic Resources Education Program (SAREP) |
These activities are designed to help "hook" kids with a broader
message about aquatic resources and the need to respect and
conserve them. They were intended to be used as the basis for 4-H
club meetings and activities. Activities published individually in
20 separate booklets include almost everything about fishing from
"how to fish" in a variety of settings to "minimizing your intake
of fish contaminants." Note explicit commitment to and focus upon
affective learning. Binder contains all supplemental materials
listed in Activity Booklets. Introductory chapters include
teaching/leadership tips. |
| 4-H Wetland Wonders |
This interdisciplinary curriculum is designed for grades 4 and 5, and
focuses on ecosystems in Oregon. It consists of eight units, in sequential
order, to develop and reinforce water quality concepts through a
combination of field, laboratory and classroom activities. Pre- and
post-surveys help the educator evaluate student comprehension. The
curriculum is accompanied by a resource trunk available throught the 4-H
Center. |
| Acid Rain |
This GEMS Teacher's Guide presents detailed lesson plans for 8 class sessions that engage students in a variety of activities that lead to a broad understanding of acid rain. Science concepts of pH, effects of acids on various materials and systems; skills of observation, measurement, data collection, drawing conclusions and synthesis of information are developed. One particular strength of this unit is the empowerment it affords students as they combine personal and social perspectives working to explore alternative solutions. The range of activities--lab experimentation, discussions, reading and writing, simulations and role play, and a game--make the unit applicable to all learning styles. Excellent teacher preparation and background material provided. Science concepts of pH, effects of acids on various materials and systems; skills of observation, measurement, data collection, drawing conclusions and synthesis of information are developed. |
| Acid Rain: A Student's First Sourcebook |
This sourcebook offers students information about acidity and the pH scale; the role of air pollution in acid precipitation and dry deposition; and the effects of acid rain on forests, aquatic habitats, man-made materials and people. It outlines potential solutions, including continued research, alternative energy sources, restoration and conservation. Nine experiments are included which measure pH in a variety of substances and simulate acidic conditions to assess the impact on variety substances.
This document has been combined with other materials, updated, expanded and reformatted to cover a broader range of topics. New version is available online at http://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/acidrain/index.html |
| Active Watershed Education Curriculum Guide, It's AWEsome! (formerly The Pawcatuck Watershed Curriculum) |
This material replaces The Pawcatuck Watershed Curriculum. This guide takes a thematic approach to teaching about watersheds.
Authors address several components of watersheds, including wetland
ecology, soils, point and non-point source pollution, and cultural
and historical land uses. Text includes pre and post tests for
students. Curriculum is well-organized and provides thorough
background information for educators. Also includes an Appendix
that provides suggestions on how to adapt the program activities to
other watersheds. |
| Activity Guide for Teachers, An: Everglades National Park |
This unit-based, multi-resource guide provides 4-6th grade teachers
with the tools to teach about the varied Everglades ecosystem. The
curriculum addresses many of South Florida's water issues, e.g.,
human population growth, water diversion from the Everglades, water
quantity regulated to the Everglades, overharvesting of fish and
shrimp, and disruption of the estuarian food chain. The five
appendices include background information, supplemental classroom
materials, songs, vocabulary, bibliograghy, and resource lists. |
| Adopt-A-Stream |
Written for grades 7-10, this curriculum places emphasis on land
use within a watershed and less on water quality monitoring;
activites encourage youth to apply observational skills when
monitoring a stream and rely less on quantitative results from test
equipment. Thorough background information for teachers and
students. Packet includes the curriculum notebook plus an angler
education program guide, aquatic plant guide, and macroinvertebrate
guide and poster. |
| Adopt-a-Stream: Teacher's Handbook |
Adopt-a-Stream is a program that gives high school students the skills and information they need to "adopt" a waterway. Relying on community cosponsors, students employ field study with follow-up water quality testing and data analysis which culminates in a final presentation on the environmental health of the waterway to the public. The handbook gives detailed explanations of water quality indicators and the procedures for testing them. |
| Adventures of Wally, the Water Molecule |
A resource to aid in teaching about the chemistry of water.
Materials are designed to provide active learning opportunities for
grades K - 3. An accompanying video assists instructors in learning
to use active learning strategies. Some concepts and vocabulary
contained in the learning activities may be too abstract for young
children (e.g, volume, mass and density). |
| Alabama Water Quality Curriculum |
This online resource, specific to the state of Alabama, has sections for upper elementary, middle- and high-school study. Units include background information, student fact sheets, worksheets, and activities, The material includes 18 Alabama Cooperative Extension System Fact Sheets on specific environmental issues. It was developed for nonformal group study, such as 4-H clubs, or enrichment material for regular classroom use. |
| All the Rivers Run |
Using a watershed approach, this curriculum guide is designed to create a holistic, theme-based on-site experience for a four-day residential program. The curriculum combines art, science, multiculturalism, global connection, and environmental responsibility in an artistically presented format. |
| Always a River: Supplemental Environmental Ed Curriculum on the Ohio River & Water |
This curriculum includes four primary objectives: to demonstrate
that the Ohio River is part of a total ecosystem; to introduce the
science of water and its importance to living things; to explore
human use and environmental impacts of human activity; and to
examine the influence of the river on historical and modern
culture. The "Careers on the River" activity is unique_authors
suggest holding a "career day." Includes appendices on making
aquaria, guidelines for interviewing people, and field ethics. |
| Aquatic Ecosystems |
Aquatic Ecosystems is one of the middle school units of the K-12 Adopt-A-Watershed curriculum. This hands-on unit contains classroom study with extensive fieldwork to observe, define and monitor a wetland ecosystem. At the onset, the group develops class and individual rubrics for unit assessment. Ecosystem mapping guides students to identify components of an ecosystem as well as conceptualize relatedness among components through feedback loops. A class water quality improvement activity, either public education or a restoration project involves students with the community and its resources. Students graphically represent their observations in a variety of media throughout the unit. A Watershed Art Show featuring this visual snapshot of their study is the culmination of the unit. |
| Aquatic Environment Education: School Enrichment |
Primarily a guide rather than a curriculum. These materials support a university
extension program. In addition to the curriculum guide, the program includes videos,
an aquarium stocked with fish, and 12 fact sheets to support a fish culrure project.
The program strategy offers a unique opportunity to connect youth with actual experience
with a natural resource professional. Video content was not reviewed. Materials can be
used independent of videos, but will require teachers to develop their own activities. |
| Aquatic Habitats: Exploring Desktop Ponds |
Aquatic Habitats uses an inquiry-based approach to guide 2nd to 6th grade students to discover and understand the concepts of habitat, food webs, life cycles, adaptation, decomposition, interdependence, animal structures and behavior, biological control and environmental characteristics. Each idea develops as small groups of students assemble a desktop pond and introduce new biological elements, observe and make predictions. A culminating field trip to a pond includes field activities that deepen students' understanding; in-class investigations are offered as an alternative to the field experience. |
| Aquatic Wild |
This curriculum supplements Project WILD, an inter-disciplinary,
supplementary environmental and conservation education program
emphasizing wildlife. Activities in this guide emphasize water
habitats that support wildlife. Research data links use of Aquatic
Wild activities with learning outcome. Instructors must complete a
training program in order to receive materials.
Each activity is summarized according to student age, subjects,
skills, duration, group size, setting, conceptual framework
reference, and key vocabulary. The Background section addresses the
main concepts to conduct the activity. Materials include
suggestions for aquatic extensions of existing Project Wild
instructional activities. Exceptional appendix materials,
including: extensions to existing Project WILD activities, use of outdoors as a classroom, conceputal framework as a basis for activities, activities cross referenced by grade, subject, skills & topic, activity length, indoor and outdoor activities |
| Arid Lands, Sacred Waters |
Arid Lands, Sacred Waters is designed to augment the concepts presented in the New Mexico Museum of Natural History's exhibit on the importance of water; selected activities can also be used or adapted to other regions. Topics addressed include the hydrologic cycle; groundwater and surface water interactions; components and interrelationships within a riparian food web; importance of water quantity and quality to plants and animals; water treatment; household water cosumptions; influence of water availability on the location of different people in New Mexico from ancient times onward; and decision-making concerning water-related environmental and cultural issues. Arid Lands, Sacred Waters is one of the few curricula to address population growth as it relates to water consumption and the quantity of water available for human use now and in the future. Each activity includes an objective, time frame, grade level, materials list, directions, and brief background information. Additional resources are required in order to complete some of the activities. The curriculum is also available in Spanish. |
| Be Water Wise |
The goals of this curriculum includes: helping users understand
that water plays a critical role in our daily lives; understanding
why water should be used wisely; and making users more
conscientious about conserving water. Materials include a student
activity book for ages 12 and above in addition to the instructor's
guide. The resource was designed for flexibility either as a school
supplement or as a resource for other groups interested in water
conservation. |
| Captain Hydro and the Further Adventures of Capitan Hydro |
Designed as a comic book for middle school students, Captain
Hydro covers the water cycle-natural and built, water use, and water
conservation and management.=The Further Adventures of Captain Hydro=,
for grades 8-10, concentrates on world history and geography. Field
experiences are provided as "homework". Two simulation exercises in
Captain Hydro help develop community problem solving skills. |
| Caring for Our Lakes: A Curriculum on the Yahara Watershed |
A local resource that demonstrates how a curriculum can be designed
to further educational goals about a local water resource, lakes.
Yet, includes aspects that are applicable to any community with
small lakes in its watershed. Goals for students to achieve
include: understanding lakes as part of a larger ecosystem; ability
to identify problems and issues concerning the Yahara lakes;
familiarity with geography of the watershed; and recognition of
human activities related to lake problems. |
| Caring for Planet Earth |
The six lessons in this packet focus on waste, water, air and energy. Developed at Oklahoma State University in conjunction with the EPA for the 4-H Youth Development Department, it serves as a school enrichment program. |
| Child's Place in the Environment:Caring for Aquatic Systems, A |
A Child's Place in the Environment: Caring for Aquatic Ecosystems is an interdisciplinary, thematic curriculum requiring students to construct knowledge. Produced by the California Department of Education, the units are conceptually correlated to the Science Framework for California Public School: although materials are applicable in other areas of the country as well. 'Caring for Aquatic Ecosystems' is one module in the grade 1-6 series, A Child's Place in the Environment. The module is organized around four concepts: 1)water cycles through living and nonliving things; 2)water is essential to all living things; 3)the ways people acquire and use water affect living things, and; 4)people can choose to conserve water, maintain or improve its quality, and protect specific bodies of water. Numerous literature selections -not included in the evaluation- illustrate and link together the core concepts. Working in groups, students investigate the purification of water through evaporation in the water cycle; observe capillary action in a plant; interpret California maps and identify natural and built water systems, determine ways water can be conserved, and; critically analyze advertising brochures from environmental organizations. |
| Cleaning Water |
Cleaning Water is part of the Foundations and Challenges to Encourage Technology-based Science (FACETS) program. Divided into 8 modules each for grades 6-8, Cleaning Water is a 3-week module divided into 6 activities for grade 7. In this module, students study the issue of clean drinking water from the standpoint of the home filter market. Activities include identification of contaminants in home water systems; investigation of the sources(s) of contamination through topographic map analysis; water quality testing, and; experimentation with contamination removal throught the use of different filtering devices. The module concludes as students design, build, and test a home water filter; each group then creates a marketing plan for each other's filters. |
| Clear Water, Streams & Fish:A Holistic View of Watersheds |
Both curricula are written to help elementary (grades 6-9) and secondary (grades 9-12) youth understand watersheds,
the effects of human activities within watersheds, the effects of human activities within watersheds, and how to
minimize those effects. Week-long, interdisciplinary lesson plans focus on fish life focus on fich life cycles and
habitat, stream dynamics, natural and human activities. Youth are then exposed to various controversies and issues
that occur in the Pacific Northwest such as private and commercial fishing, Indian Treaty Rights, development and
logging. The "Solutions" unit suggests ways to address problems within the watershed. |
| Coastal Georgia Adopt-a-Wetland Curr. Guide for Grades 3-12 |
The twenty lessons in this curriculum cover attributes of watersheds, estuaries and wetlands, impacts of natural and human activity on them, orienteering and geocaching. Activities include data collection and classification. The unit concludes with a Role Play for Wetland Resources. Also included are Fact Sheets on Invasive Species, Native Species, and Habitats, Processes & Legislation. |
| Coastal Issues: A Wave of Concern |
Activities written for high school students focus on decision-
making skills as they relate to coastal development, recreation,
tourism, and aesthetic concerns. Case studies represent real
coastal community issues. |
| Comprehensive Water Education Book (formerly Water Education), The |
Activities for school setting seek to develop water literacy
through active learning. Activities stress comprehension of water
concepts, development of attitudes about water issues, and skills
to solve water issue problems. Concepts/vocabulary may be difficult
for K-6 graders (eg, porosity, saturation, volume, density). |
| Connections to the Sea, A 4-H Guide to Marine Education |
Materials focus on ocean ecology, hydrology, and pollution sources
through student field investigations. Unique activities cover
mapping and map reading, and environmental sensitivity. An
extensive "related activities" section includes activities for the
visual arts, sea food, impact of the ocean on people's lives,
environmental issues, and plant collections. Also includes a small
field guide to Maine Atlantic organisms in the booklet. Materials
do not specify an age, but appear to be designed for middle school
through high school youth. |
| Cool Classroom |
The Cool Classroom is a series of Internet-based instructional modules that link middle and high school classrooms with active research investigations at the Rutgers Marine and Coastal Services COOLroom, a collaboration of oceanographers studying the coastal ocean. Five interdisciplinary projects, as well as two physics projects, a biology project, and an earth science project use real-time or near real-time data to support learning the science concepts. |
| Creek Watchers: Exploring the Worlds of Creeks and Streams |
This curriculum is one in a series of five by the California
Aquatic Science Education Consortium (CASEC). Creek Watchers aims
to encourage youth groups and leaders to explore creek and stream
ecosystems. Youth get hands-on experience with stream habitat,
inhabitants, and the effects from surrounding land use within a
watershed. Activities are designed to help youth apply basic
science concepts such as observing, comparing, inferring, and
analyzing. Students receive "Task Cards" and "Lab Notebook" sheets
to record their findings. Authors provide ideas for stream action
projects and list local California resources to contact for those
projects. |
| Curriculum Guide for Wetland Education, A |
This K-8 curriculum guide was produced for school districts of Oswego County, NY. It consists of concepts related to ecology, plant and animal life in wetlands and an overview of conservation policies for the classroom teacher. Wetlands of Oswego County are identified and catagorized for field study sites. Fifteen hands-on activities (some drawn from other programs or publications) and nine lesson plans are the instructional materials of the unit. Extensive background information is presented. |
| Decision-Making: The Chesapeake Bay |
The major goal of this curriculum is for students to identify and
analyze conflicting interests, issues, and public policies
concerning the Chesapeake Bay. Youth then determine their effects
on people and their environment. Instructional time can range from
15 class sessions to an entire semester. Through the 5 educational
components (introduction, videotape, simulation, reference source
and application) educators may choose to use the materials
independently or incorporated into existing instructional units.
Instructor training is required. |
| Discover a Watershed: The Everglades |
A comprehensive curriculum focusing on the Kissimmee-Lake Okeechobee-Everglades (K-O-E) ecosystem. 'Discover a Watershed: The Everglades' is divided into three sections:
1)The Natural Watershed: Pieces of a Puzzle - a thorough reference section on the natural and human history of the area. Natural history topics include the hydrology, geology, climate, animal and plant species, and communities comprising the K-O-E ecosystem. Discussion of the history of human occupation and change within this unique ecosystem begins with the early Native American groups and continues through the establishment of the Everglades National Park in 1947. 2)The Altered Watershed: Rearranged Pieces - a discussion of contemporary issues and problems resulting from the cultural and ecological demands/changes placed on the K-O-E ecosystem by a rapidly increasing population. 3)Investigations: Putting the Pieces Together - a collection of fifteen interdisciplinary activities correlated with chapters in the reference section.
Designed to fit the needs of diverse educators; in its entirety, the curriculum provides a six-to-eight week course of study on the watershed. Individual activities and reference sections can also stand alone for use by formal and nonformal educators in various disciplines. |
| Discover Wetlands |
These materials were developed to enhance the ability of the
Washington State Department of Ecology in preserving and managing
wetlands in Washington.
Activities address the definition of a wetland, wetland field studies, wetland functions, and human effects on wetlands. The materials were designed as a unit or integrated into existing curricula. Materials are activity based and applicable to other regions of the country. An interesting aspect of this resource is that it focuses on the idea that both action and inaction affect the outcome of environmental issues. |
| EARTH: The Water Planet |
A collection of water activities to encourage problem-solving and
critical thinking skills for middle elementary students. Primarily
indoors science activities. A "Guide to Activity" and detailed
background "Readings" sections provided for each module. Overall
curriculum theme is equity and scientific literacy for everyone. |
| Ecological Citizenship (EcoCit). 5th Grade. Precious Water |
This is one of nine units in the Eco-Cit urban environmental education
program written for grades K-8. "Precious Water" is designed for 5th
graders. The multi-disciplinary, action-oriented curriculum involves
students, parents, teachers and the community. Topics covered include the
water cycle, human inputs, and ways to conserve water resources. Eco-Cit
is based on a philosophy of constructivist and cooperative learning for
ecological citizenship. |
| Energy, Economics and the Environment: Case Studies and Teaching
Activities for Elementary School |
Designed to teach elementary students the interrelationships between
economics and environmental issues, this unique curriculum provides
students with a conceptual framework to help address human-induced
environmental problems. Activities center on three areas: knowledge and
concepts, effective decision-making skills, and action projects. There are
four interdisciplinary teaching units that focus on basic economic
principles, and forest, water and energy resources. |
| Env. Resource Guide: Nonpoint Source Pollution Prevention |
These units provide basic information on the relationships between land use and water quality--specifically nonpoint source water pollution. Four grade ranges address K-12 classrooms. Each level addresses pollution sources; point vs. nonpoint; sediment, nutrient, bacterial and toxic pollution; agricultural, urban, mining, forestry and industrial sources; as well as best management practices. |
| Estuary-Net |
Estuary-Net focuses on point and non-point source pollution problems in estuaries and watersheds to highlight the value of long-term data collection and analysis, the scientific process and its contributions to problem-solving, and the importance of telecommunications as a valuable networking tool. The curriculum is organized into 3 levels: UNDERSTANDING WATER QUALITY introduces students to watershed variables and processes through hands-on classroom activities; WATER QUALITY MONITORING/DATA COLLECTING leads students to develop and implement a water sampling plan that is then applied to a local stream site; and USING AND IMPROVING MONITORING DATA incorporates development of quality assurance action plans. Throughout the unit, students employ telecommunications networking to collaborate with other agencies and school groups that are also collecting data in their problem-solving activities. |
| Experiencing Water Resources: A Guide to Your River Basin |
A teaching package designed for use with 3rd-5th grade classes. It is specially tailored for teaching about the resources and issues in a specific river basin. Materials are provided for both teacher and students. |
| Farming Louisiana’s Water. A 4-H Aquaculture Project, Grades 7-9 |
This student workbook focuses on aquaculture. Written for grades 7 through
9, the principles of aquaculture include: the history of aquaculture; job
of fish farmers; aquacultural techniques regarding feeding, controlling
predators and unwanted animals; and harvesting, processing and marketing.
There are twelve activities for each grade level followed by a project to
develop and maintaining an aquarium. Provides educators with extensive
background information and instructions. |
| Fishy Science. A hands-on approach to learning about fish |
Middle school-aged youth learn about buoyancy, osmosis and respiration
while studying fish physiology. Activities are classroom-based using an
aquarium and goldfish (or other hardy species). Through observation and
comparison of fish sensory perception, youth draw connections between
human and fish. Youth receive activity sheets that encourage investigation
skills. |
| Flood Teacher's Guide, Videocassette, and Student Edition: Event-Based Science Series |
An interdisciplinary module in the Event-Based Science series, 'Flood' tells the story of the Great Flood of 1993 through newspaper articles, video footage and personal interviews. Students study the cause and effects of floods through exploration of stream and river dynamics in 11 activities. Using additional resources and knowledge gained through activity completion, five member teams of students design a new national park along the St. Joe River in Idaho to demonstrate stream system dynamics. Profiles of professionals involved in park design- such as landscape architects, hydrologists, cartographers, geologists, and forest recreation technicians- are included in the curriculum. The module concludes with a presentation of park plans and advertising brochures to the entire class. |
| Florida 4-H Marine Science Program |
Curriculum objectives center on how to teach youth to use simple
field gear and to understand the relationships between ecosystem
components. Materials include: a leader's guide, a member's guide,
a project guide, and a project record book. Leader and member
guides provide instructions for conducting and evaluating field
guides to 6 marine ecosystems. The member's guide provides
background material on organisms found in ocean ecosystems. The
project guide and record book complement the curriculum and are
meant to be used while visiting an oceanarium. Authors do not
specify a target audience, but seem designed for 6th grade and
older. Activities are dependent on leader direction. |
| Fragile Fringe, The: A Guide for Teaching about Coastal Wetlands |
Available on the world wide web, 'The Fragile Fringe' uses activities and background information to provide a framework for the study of coastal wetlands. The curriculum is divided into six modules -each identifying activities for different grade levels: Where Are the Wetlands?; The Mississippi River: Draining a Majority of the United States; Beneficial Functions of the Wetlands; Barrier Islands as Part of and Protection for the Wetlands; Loss of Wetlands: Subsidence; and Wetland Loss: Digging of Canals. Options for student activities include visiting a wetland and collecting plant specimens; constructing a model watershed; simulating predator/prey dynamics; investigating run-off, and; demonstrating subsidence. |
| Freshwater Guardians: Defending Our Precious Supply
Freshwater Guardians: Defending Our Precious Supply |
Developed for 10-15 year olds, this CASEC guide is one of five in
a series. Activities help youth understand the sources and effects of freshwater pollution. "Task Cards" and "Lab Notebook" sheets are provided for students to record their results. The overall activity objective is that students learn science by doing. (Spanish version available)
Students are encouraged to make predictions and explore alternate
perpectives to addressing problems, issues and questions. |
| From Ridges to Rivers: Watershed Explorations. Stage Two: Ages 12-15 |
In this guide, adult leaders learn to work with teens, ages 12-15, in
non-formal educational settings. There are three goals: to help learners
understand their watershed; to develop scientific inquiry and critical
thinking skills; and to encourage active, intelligent care of the earth’s
natural resources. Activities use watershed models to encourage hands on
learning and to realize conflicting viewpoints on environmental issues. |
| Gee-Wow! Adventures in Water Education |
This curriculum was developed as part of the Groundwater Education
in Michigan (GEM) Program. The goal is to enable teaching of
concepts related to water, groundwater, and pollution prevention.
It includes 28 activities and a video, It's Found Underground:
Groundwater Our Buried Treasure. Lessons may be taught as a unit or
used separately to supplement other classroom activities. Includes
an index cross-referenced by title, grade, subject area and
activity type. |
| Give Water A Hand. Youth Action Guide and Leader Guide |
Youth can make a difference through watershed-based, community action
projects. Using the service-learning approach to environmental issues,
youth, age 9-14, gain experience to in addressing water-related problems.
The Youth Action Guide feature a series of activities that walk youth
through investigation, choosing a project, planning for action, taking
action and evaluation (65 pages). In the Leader Guide, adults will find
tips on skill development, background information for each activity, and
how to use experts as project collaborators (33 pages). |
| Great Lakes In My World, The |
Activities are designed to increase awareness and appreciation for
the Great Lakes by including them in regular curriculum units for
all disciplines. Activities cover cultural issues, current
management concerns, and natural processes. Manual includes an
index listing appropriate grade and subject area in which to
include Great Lakes material. |
| Ground Water Education for Secondary Students |
A booklet containing background information and activities designed to teach students about aquifers, and the interrelationship between ground and surface waters. The importance of water conservation, pollution prevention, and water resource management issues are also addressed. The curriculum incorporates lectures, laboratory activities, games, demonstrations, and assessment activities. |
| Groundwater Adventure, The |
This curriculum is part of the Water Environment Federation's
package designed to educate the public about important water
quality issues. Topic materials are provided in a "building block"
approach to allow flexibility in fitting the materials into an
existing school curriculum. Each set includes a video and student
activity guide. Activities in this set address how to clean up
groundwater contamination in more detail than other curricula. |
| Groundwater Education Program, Parts 1,2 & 3 |
The purpose of developing these materials was to enhance
groundwater quality through implementation of action-oriented
groundwater programs at the local level. This is a curriculum
designed for use as an in-school science unit, but was developed
with the help of a 4-H extension specialist. Contents of this kit
are comprehensive, including for each of the 3 parts: a teacher's
guide; booklet with information and suggested activities; an
Arlegan County 4-H Resources catalog; equipment needed for
classroom activities; additional resources including other
curricula; fact sheets; and informational tests. Materials need to
be adapted for younger end of suggested grade range. |
| Groundwater Protection Curriculum Guide and "Groundwater - The Hidden Resource" videotape |
Information, video, and activity ideas designed to familiarize
students with the source of their drinking water, the management of
waste water, how groundwater becomes polluted, and how groundwater
pollution can be prevented. Information materials provide in-depth
background about Missouri hydrogeology. |
| Groundwater Study Guide-DNR |
Resource packet and activity ideas. Activities focus on: the water
cycle and hydrogeology, groundwater contamination, water and waste
water treatment, water conservation, and groundwater use rights.
Written materials may be challenging for 6th graders, the younger
end of suggested grade range. |
| Groundwater: A Vital Resource |
A series of 23 activities on four topics: the water cycle, water
distribution in soils, water quality, and community impacts on
groundwater. Each topic includes activities for a range of ages.
Strong technical/science orientation. Limited integration with
daily life of the youth. |
| H2O Below: An Activity Guide for Groundwater Study |
Developed as part of the Illinois Middle School Groundwater Project, this curriculum focuses on the interdisciplinary study of the geology/hydrology dynamics of groundwater movement and quality. Students observe a groundwater flow model, study the porosity and permeability of different soils, construct a water filtration device, analyze home water use and conservation practices, participate in a decision-making simulation involving a hazardous waste disposal site, and develop a survey instrument to identify -and take action on- a local groundwater issue. Chapters include Water and Why it is Important; How Water Moves Through the Ground; How Water Becomes Polluted, Clean Water Through Filtration; Protecting and Conserving Groundwater; Testing Groundwater; and Groundwater Issues. Activities within each chapter are correlated with Illinois State Goals, in addition to including objectives, background information, materials lists, vocabulaty, procedures, students worksheets, evaluation suggestions, and extensions. |
| Health Environment-Healthy Me:Exploring Water Pollution, 4th grade |
Part of a series of environmental and occupational health curricula designed to
supplement school curricula in grades K-6. The series provides a different topic
for each grade. This topic is presented in 15,45-to 60- minute units. Many units
focus on wastewater treatment. Describes how water becomes polluted and how to
to prevent pollution, but does not emphasize how drinking water is treated before
use. |
| Hidden Treasure. Instructional Materials for Groundwater Resource Protection, A |
Designed as a supplement for the school curriculum, these materials
focus on the relationship between agriculture and groundwater.
Includes unique sections on "Best Management Practices,"
groundwater protection in urban settings, managing underground
storage tanks and water testing. Students design management plan
for proper lawn care. Covers both rural and urban issues. |
| Hoover Dam: Teacher/Student Learning Packet |
This curriculum, developed by the Bureau of Reclamation, strives to meet the goals of the Dept. of the Interior by "helping students understand how the decisions of the past helped shape their lives and future." It is divided into four areas of study: history, wildlife, water resources and hydroelectricity. Each section offers information and suggests activities to address 2 to 5 main concepts. This curriculum narrowly focuses on the Colorado River. |
| How Well is Your Water? Protecting Your Home Groundwater |
Written for grades 7-9, this activity booklet guides independent
investigation, assessment, analysis and action on well and groundwater
contamination. Activities may be adapted to other regions and suitable for
formal, informal and nonformal educational settings. |
| Indoor River Book, The |
This book is part of the COMMON ROOTS GUIDEBOOKS series. In collaboration with adult facilitators, students build an indoor river system modeled on a local river. The design and assembly stage require two school mornings with the assistance of an experience carpenter. A materials list, diagrams, and photographs of completed products are included. Activities included in 'The Indoor River' integrated the sciences, math, social studies, design technology, language and creative arts. |
| Instructor's Guide to Water Education Activities |
Intended as a general water curriculum. Materials and activities
integrate water science concepts with water use applications and
impacts. |
| Investigating Groundwater: The Fruitvale Story |
Designed for middle to high school youth, this module closely
resembles steps taken in a real water contamination situation,
e.g., identify the problem, research, community involvement,
decision-making and action. Requires the use of a chemistry kit.
Activities build on each other; this curriculum represents one
module. |
| Investigating Streams and Rivers |
Recommended for use with "Field Manual for Water Quality
Monitoring" by Mark K. Mitchell and Wm. B. Stapp. However, only
activities 4 and 5 require use of manual. Unique in that activities
provide a mechanism for learning some fundamentals of political
action (e.g., making contacts, group concerns about problem/issue
of process, interview and phone skills, developing action plans).
Excellent guidance in developing, implementing and evaluating
action plan. Activities can be complemented by participation in the
Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (GREEN)-sponsored
computer conferences. Materials contain suggestions for using
computer network to enhance student understanding. Manual includes
user evaluation/feedback form. |
| Investigation H2O |
A good review of basic principles on water science, the water cycle,
groundwater, wetlands, water quality and quantity issues, and water
conservation actions for grades 5 and 6. Contains lesson plans, worksheets
and activities to complement an accompanying video. Uses examples specific
to Georgia. |
| Jason XIV: From Shore to Sea |
The Jason Project publishes a yearly science expedition linked to actual research by scientists in the field. Each program combines an inquiry-based print curriculum, video supplement, live telepresence during a 2-week live expedition broadcast and a gated online community of Jason Project participants. The research project associated with From Shore to Sea was completed in the spring of 2002, however a videotape of highlights of the research is available to replace the live telepresence if someone chooses to use the print curriculum as a stand-alone. Online gated community feature would not correspond chronologically to your study if it were taught at a later date.
Detailed correlation to state and national standards in science, geography, math, English and technology along with performance-based assessment options for measuring progress make the program usable for a wide audience. From Shore to Sea, the 2002-2003 project, uses California's Channel Islands as a base to explore geologic and cultural history, the management of coastal ecosystems, and natural resources conservation. |
| Kids In Creeks: A Creek Exploration and Restoration Program |
This program guide, created for grades 3-12 in the San Francisco Bay area, provides teachers with the relevant information to conduct a creek study program. Many options and details have already been explored by authors, e.g., a pre-arranged list of organizations willing to participate in the program, materials in the lending library, and list of creeks in the region that may be easily accessed by classes. There are "Action Projects" at the end of each activity for students to further get involved in their community. |
| Kids Network - What's in Our Water? |
Curriculum package includes Teacher's Guide, Kid's Handbook,
Software Manual, and software for Apple IIGS. Computer and modem
are required. National Geographic Kids Network is a
telecommunications-based science curriculum. The water unit
emphasizes watershed studies. It is recommended for students in
grades 4_6, but would also interest older students. Some units
require relatively sophisticated skills which would seem more
appropriate for seventh grade and up. Unit support materials include access to Hot Line staff and a "unit scientist," a professional who communicates to the class via electronic mail. Planned sessions require a minimum 15 hours of class time during a six-week scheduled communications calendar. An unusual perspective of this curriculum is the idea that geographical and cultural qualities can influence water use. Extension activities provide opportunities for community studies and enable high quality experiential learning activities on many of the water topics emphasized in the classroom activities. This is also one of few curriculum to provide background for student understanding risk decisions by providing an activity which evaluates the text and concentration of pollutants. |
| Lake Erie: The Great Lakes Project |
This K-12 curriculum is one component of the Great Lakes Project--Lake Erie, developed to improve environmental education in the Lake Erie watershed. Activities were contributed by teachers involved in the project as well as drawn from other resources, such as Project WILD and Project Learning Tree. K-6 lessons offer hands-on experience with concepts including habitat, the water cycle, watersheds, plants, soil, food webs, populations and community, and ecosystems. 7-12 curriculum covers limnology, chemistry, topography, and biology as well as a broad examination of environmental action skills. |
| Land and Water |
'Land and Water' is a sequential curriculum consisting of 16 hands-on activities. Working in pairs or cooperative groups, students investigate the interactions between land and water by constructing and operating a simple stream table. During the course of the unit, students explore the components and properties of soils in relationship to soil and water movement; create and label "aerial" maps; investigate the role of ground cover and landscape topography, and; design and build dams. Concepts such as the water cycle, erosion, runoff, deposition, glacier formation and movement, and stream flow dynamics are discussed and/or explored. The curriculum concludes with an embedded assessment as students design and build a model landscape. Numerous activity extensions incorporating other disciplines both expand and diversify the curriculum. |
| Leap Into Lakes. The Teacher's Manual for A Hands-on Exhibit About Lakes and Water Quality |
This teachers’ manual focuses on Wisconsin water features, e.g., glaciers,
groundwater, lakes, and wetlands. It accompanies a hands-on exhibit on
lakes and water quality issues located at the Madison’s Children’s Museum.
The ten sections cover primarily science activities and include background
information and answers to common questions. |
| Learning to be Water Wise & Energy Efficient: An Education Program |
Designed for upper elementary and middle school students, the activities
help teach water and energy conservation. Students are asked to conduct
several activities at home with their families. The complete teaching
packet includes the teacher’s guide, an orientation video, conservation
supply kits, four posters, progress charts and checkup sheets. (Includes an 18-minute video designed for Grades 4-8. The conservation
supply kit:a showerhead, aerators, compact fluorescent bulb, etc.) |
| Liquid Explorations |
Written for first through third graders, this activity guide centers on
science processes skills: observation, description, comparison,
classification, and written and drawn conclusions. There are five
activities in all - each with a "modifications for kindergarten." For a
quick reference, authors provide a step-by-step, Summary Outline for each
activity. The "Hands-on Science in the Classroom" section offers tips to
engage the science learning process. |
| Living in Water: An Aquatic Science Curriculum |
Activities focus on a scientific study of water, aquatic
environments and the plants and animals that live in water. The
curriculum covers both marine and freshwater habitats. The emphasis
of the materials is on process rather than content. Unique aspects
include answer keys that are provided in language students would
likely use, and activities which teach students about describing
something they can't see by measuring it and correlating their
data. Many appendix materials are provided to facilitate ease of
teacher preparation/presentation (over 100 pages). |
| Local Watershed Problem Studies - Elementary School Curriculum |
A collection of lessons written by teachers with a variety of
backgrounds. Lessons vary in degree of detail. Focus is on
interface between land use and water pollution. Includes
instructions on how to build water testing equipment. Provides many
stories and folklore examples to enhance student enjoyment of a
particular topic and to support language arts education goals.
Offers teaching suggestions for use with both lower and upper
elementary age students. The appendix includes suggestions for
citizen and government action in controlling non-point source
pollution in urban areas and rural areas, and a discussion on role
of values in environmental education. |
| Local Watershed Problem Studies - Middle and High School |
A collection of lessons written by teachers with a variety of
backgrounds. Lessons vary in degree of detail. Focus is on
interface between land use and water quality. Contains unique
attitude survey form. Though developed for Wisconsin, simulation
activities could be adapted for other locales. Lessons typically
take from several days to several weeks of class meetings. Some
units are not directly related to water issues. |
| Los Marineros |
While providing basic education about marine science, activities
focus on the local resource, the Santa Barbara Channel. Units
include physical characteristics of the channel, flora and fauna of
the channel, human history of the channel, and marine policy.
Materials were developed for a program predominantly reaching
low-income minority students who have limited access to special
programs. Activities are designed to increase self-esteem and
increase career awareness. Materials include an interesting
"invitation" activity that encourages development of group identity
and arouses student excitement. Activities provide a good interface
between school and nonformal settings. Appendices include
suggestions for marine careers, marine educational resources,
teaching sheltered English, and starting a marine education
program. Materials include extensive material on marine flora and
fauna. |
| Mapping Fish Habitats. Teacher's Guide. Grades 6-10 |
Written for grades 6-10, students design an aquarium to draw
conclusions using basic scientific concepts: predicting, observing,
recording, experimenting, analyzing and interpreting. Students
also learn fundamental ecological concepts such as ecosystem,
habitat, home range, and territory. Through daily observations and
experiments, students draw conclusions about fish in their natural
environment. Experiments include changing one component of fish
habitat and mapping the fish's behavior based on the change. |
| My World, My Water and Me! A Teachers Guide to Water Pollution Control |
Curriculum emphasizes how water gets polluted and the impacts of
pollutants on living things. It uses the arts extensively to convey
human uses and impacts. Activity directions do not always make the
connection between the specific activity and the overall objective
of the curriculum. However, background information is supplied to
enable the teacher to make the connections. Extension activities
sometimes have a significant role in developing understanding for
a particular concept. Materials use a unique strategy to tie all
the activity concepts together. Students write a story, in
sections, as the unit proceeds. The teacher or leader provides the
story outline, a trip through the waste water system by students
shrunk to one one-thousandth of their size. The students provide
details and adventures for each step. Materials do not indicate
which activities relate to which part of the story. Teachers will
need to select activities most relevant to the aspects of the water
pollution story they wish to emphasize. |
| Nature of Water Power, The |
The Nature of Water Power is an curriculum for middle grades, guiding students to explore the scientific and social links between hydroelectric power and the environment. Developed by the Foundation for Water and Energy Education, it is intended for use in the northwestern United States. Through the study of properties of water, the water cycle, the physics of moving water, and electricity generation, students gain skills to explore the environmental impact of damming rivers for power production and to compare costs and benefits of hydropower to other energy sources. Activities utilize teamwork and employ journaling and other assessment techniques. |
| Naturescope: Diving Into Oceans |
Instruction in these materials is provided in a unique layout that,
in several cases, could be used independently by the student.
Activity descriptions are clearly explained and illustrated. Topics
include the physical ocean, life in the ocean, life along the
coastline, and human impacts. Each topic includes an activity for
primary, intermediate, and advanced age ranges. Activities are not
dependent on each other. Materials include some beautiful drawings
of sea life. Excellent supplementary resource list. |
| Naturescope: Wading Into Wetlands |
Instruction in these materials is provided in a unique layout that,
in several cases, could be used independently by the student.
Activity explanations are clearly explained and illustrated. Topics
include: what makes a wetland, saltwater wetlands, freshwater
wetlands, wetlands and people. Each topic includes an activity for
primary, intermediate, and advanced age ranges. Activities are not
dependent on each other. Excellent supplementary resource list. |
| New Jersey 4-H Marine science Project. Leaders Guide |
Set in a club or in the classroom, this leaders’ guide helps teach about
the New Jersey marine environment. It is divided into five sections:
habitats, organisms, career exploration, community involvement, and
general. Each section consists of a set of activities. Construction of an
aquarium is one of the main projects. An annotated bibliography of
additional resources is included. Also includes pre- and post-evaluation
tests for learners. |
| Oklahoma Aqua Times |
A 4-H project, this unit utilizes three components to further water conservation--a teacher's guide with activities, 4- to 8-page student newspapers (one for each of five units), and a video of young reporters interviewing water resources professionals. Topics include the hydrologic cycle, groundwater, water use, pollution and conservation. A culminating project is a student-produced newspaper communicating conservation concepts gained. |
| Operation Water Drop |
This online resource for the study of drinking water quality "encourages students to develop critical thinking skills which will empower them to become actively involved in issues such as ensuring safe drinking water within their community, and on a global scale." Elementary teachers demonstrate tests on their community drinking water for alkalinity, color, chlorine, hetrotropic plate count, pH, ammonium and sulfate. High school students work in small groups to perform the above tests and also test for manganese, iron, nitrates, residual chlorine, total hardness and arsenic. Local water supply is compared to urban, rural and untreated water; and also with Canadian, US and European drinking water guidelines.
|
| Operation Water Flow |
Operation Water Flow gives teachers lessons in math, chemistry, biology, social studies and science in order to give students a more thorough understanding of issues surrounding drinking water, such as establishing the true cost of water, the social responsibilities of providing safe drinking water, the need for regulation, and the need for water conservation and source protection. |
| Oregon Children’s Groundwater Festival: 1996 Teachers’ Guide |
Authors suggest conducting activities in this guide before visiting the
Oregon Children’s Groundwater Festival, and as a follow-up to reinforce
concepts. It is adaptable to all grade levels. The focus is
interdisciplinary, but with a strong emphasis on science of water
principles, through activities that use models and experiments. Other
topics addressed include the hydrological cycle, and water quality and
quantity issues. |
| Our Great Lakes Connection |
These materials were designed to enable the teacher to integrate
activities about the Great Lakes into a regular classroom program.
Ideas for the activities were provided by teachers and Great Lakes
specialists. Materials emphasize use and development of a variety
of learning skills. Activities focus on the historical/cultural
role of Great Lakes in people's lives. History, geography and
economics form the basis of the content, but materials include some
emphasis on pollution impacts and lake effects on weather and
climate. |
| Our Groundwater |
One of 3 packets designed as a supplement to the classroom. The
others are "Our Surface Water" and "The Water Around Us." Uses
demonstrations to convey four main ideas about groundwater. |
| Our Surface Water |
One of 3 packets designed as a supplement to the classroom. The
others are "Our Groundwater" and "The Water Around Us". Provides
directions for a pond and a stream field trip and instructions on
how to conduct a water quality survey. |
| Paddle-to-the-Sea: Supplemental Curriculum Activities (Holling Clancy Holling's Paddle-to-the-Sea) |
Developed for use in 3-6th grades, this interdisciplinary
curriculum is designed to reinforce the concepts introduced in the
story, Paddle-to-the-Sea. Activities center around topics
pertinent to the Great Lakes region such as surrounding land use,
historical uses of the Lakes, and ecology of the Great Lakes. Most
activities are pencil/paper and seatwork-oriented. |
| Physical Oceanography |
This descriptive curriculum presents activities designed for Earth Science
teachers for middle school-aged youth. Activities center around three key
concepts: the investigation of water and its properties; the forces that
affect water’s movement on the earth; and the human impact on the ocean;
with emphasis on the physical and chemical properties of water, and little
on ecology and environmental concepts and issues. Each activity has a
student’s section and a teacher’s guide with background information,
procedure and questions. A set of readings follow each activity that used
to enhance teacher preparation, or as further resources for students. |
| Plastic Eliminators: Protecting California Shorelines |
One in a series of five, this activity guide aims at increasing
awareness of plastic marine debris in 10-15 year old youth. The
first portion of the guide focuses on awareness, while the
remaining activities deal with taking action in the youth's
community. Activities culminate into an Adopt-A-Beach and
Cleanup, but after youth have learned how plastics can effect
marine animal life and actions youth can do to reduce plastic
consumption. |
| Pondwater Tour, The |
Students are encouraged to practice science investigation skills, i.e.,
discover, examine, and experiment with chemical properties of water. The
Tour includes a test kit and worksheets for the hands-on investigation of
a water sample collected from a pond, lake, stream or river. |
| POW! The Planning of Wetlands: An Educator's Guide |
POW! The Planning of Wetlands is a two-part guide to creating a schoolyard wetland. Part I, Background Information, is a mini-course in wetlands construction, offering detailed information on water supply, permits, design, grading, specifications, construction, maintainance, cost estimates and a botanical guide to 40 native wetland plants. Part II contains 25 activities that involve students in grades 5 to 12 in the process of wetland development. Some modifications are offered for K-4 students. |
| Project W.U.L.P. (Wetland Understanding Leading to Protection) |
This multidisciplinary wetland unit is designed for middle school-
aged students. Activities begin with general knowledge of wetland
functions and human impacts, then proceed to comprehensive, well-
thoughout field activities for students. Some activities are
specific to Wisconsin wetlands. Authors attempt to pull together
a complete wetland unit to be taught entirely in the classroom or
classroom and field experiences. Unit includes an extensive,
multimedia wetland resource list. |
| Project Water Works |
Requires classroom setting and computer. Extensive preparation by
instructor needed. Emphasis on water science and water management.
Water management section of software emphasizes importance of
values in decision-making, yet identifies "right and wrong" answers
to simulated water management scenarios. |
| Project WET Curriculum & Activity Guide |
A compilation of over 80 water-related activities, 'Project WET' is organized into seven units: 1)Water has unique physical and chemical characteristics, 2)Water is essential for all life to exist, 3)Water connects all Earth systems, 4)Water is a natural resource, 5)Water resources are managed, 6)Water resources exist within social constructs, and 7)Water resources exist within cultural constructs. Within each unit, activities are designed to accommodate different learning styles and multiple intelligences, in addition to incorporating many disciplines -art, science, math, language arts, social studies, and music. Activity format includes a suggested grade level, teaser introductory question, summanry, objectives, materials lists, making connections- describing the relevance and rationale for the activity, background information, procedure, assessment strategies, extensions, and resource list. Students explore and expand their knowledge, feelings and values related to water as they compare past and present water user; explore issues of water availability in different cultures; classify wetland soil types; interpret maps to assess changes in a watershed; investigate the source of groundwater pollution; monitor personal water use; develop strategies to clean wastewater, and; discuss/debate management strategies. |
| Protecting Our Watersheds |
"Protecting Our Watersheds," a middle school science and civics unit, results in cooperative community action. Students evaluate their local watershed through observation, and data collection to identitfy water quality issues. Detailed, process-focused lessons lead students to research policy and practices impacting these issues, to select a problem, and develop an action plan to effect long-term improvement.
Cooperative Experiential activities are centered with "reflection questions" at the conclusion of each lesson. "To increase youth Voice" offers leadership opportunities in each lesson. Includes Facilitators guide, activity notebook, tip cards, 4 posters, totebag. Additional resources available such as CD-roms examining Upper Mississippi watershed and introducing water monitoring, field manual and kits for water monitoring, booklet of water quality issues for debate, sourcebook, case study, etc.
|
| Pure Tap: Adventures in Water |
Pure Tap: Adventures in Water is a publication of the Louisville Water Co. It presents multi-disciplinary activities for 3rd to 5th grades on the water cycle, water use, treatment and delivery of drinking water. Most lessons are specific to the Louisville vicinity and system. |
| River Cutters |
This update of a 1989 GEMS (Great Explortions in Math and Science) curriculum has been been revised to emphasize key environmental issues, to align activities with National Science Education Standards, and to lead to unified concepts in Earth and Environmental Science--both in the scale of geologic time and the impact of humans and technology on natural resources. Using river models of diatomaceous earth (the new version offers alternatives to this medium) and a dripper system, students explore rivers as earth shapers, simulate geologic timelines, and experience how human activities (dams and toxic waste dumps) impact natural systems. The unit offers multiple assessment suggestions, literature connections, and excellent detailed directions to help instructors maximize the value of the lessons. |
| River, The: Humanities |
This unit is the humanities strand of a 3-part curriculum about the Rio Grande. The other two strands, dealing with science and social studies, are profiled individually in this database. The curriculum is no longer in print, but the New Mexico Culture Net makes it available to download at their website: www.nmculturenet.org/riverproject. Through exhibits and activities, students express their personal experience of the river, investigate physical characteristics of the river, glean an understanding from legends and oral histories of the people and cultures of the Rio Grande, and view and respond to the work of visual artists inspired by it. |
| River, The: Science |
This unit is the science component of The River: A Middle School Multi-disciplinary Curriculum for the Rio Grande. Used in conjunction with the social science and humanities strands, the curriculum's goal is to prepare students to understand the consequences of their actions and to participate in community decision-making. The science strand covers the distribution and use of water, river systems, ecosystems and explores problems confronting the Rio Grande and issues of sustainability. |
| River: Social Studies, The |
The River:
Social Studies', 144, 'The social studies component of "The River: Inter-Disciplinary Curriculum for The Rio Grande"
challenges students to analyze data, explore their personal values, and evaluate the ecological health and uses of the Rio
Grade in relationship to the socio-cultural history and dynamics of the area. Less familiar concepts addressed include:
1)Historical use of water, 2)New Mexico Water Law, and 3)the importance of the "bosquee" (riparian area). An in-depth
concluding component of the curriculum is "The River Simulation" as students identigy personal and community interest in
the River, analyze interest groups, explore regulations of river usage, and identify problems and develop an action plan to
foster sustainability. Slides of the river/watershed are included with the curriculum booklet. |
| Rivers and Ponds |
Rivers and Ponds is a whole language thematic unit incorporating four children's literature selections: All Eyes on the Ponds; Frog and Toad Together; Look Closer: Pond Life; and Look Closer: River Life. Included in the curriculum are interdisciplinary activity extensions for teacher facilitation of each book and accompanying lessons. Working cooperatively, students: Collect and study the macro-invertebrates in a pond; Investigate the water cycle and surface tension; Construct a classroom pond, underwater pond scope, pond chain mobile, and props and costumes for the performance of Pond Readers' Theater; Write a frog and toad mini-book, a recipe for friendship, and water poetry. Measure the distance a frog travels, graph their favorite pond animal, and calculate pond problems. |
| Rivers: Biology |
Rivers: Biology is one component of the 6-unit Rivers Project, the others addressing chemistry, earth science, geography, language arts and math. Useful as a free-standing unit or in conjunction with the other subject areas, this curriculum helps high school students understand the biological factors that indicate or are influenced by water quality in rivers. Students collect and test water, observe biological diversity in the field, and simluate the activities of a project development team and a government review team over proposed changes to the river studied. |
| Rivers: Chemistry |
Rivers: Chemistry is one component of the 6-unit Rivers Project, the others addressing biology, earth science, geography, language arts and math. Workable as a unit of study for high school chemistry, this guide is an effective component of a cross-curricular thematic river study. The activities lead students to discover what variables comprise and determine water quality by field sampling and analyzing test results to determine overall water quality. |
| Rivers: Earth Science |
Rivers: Earth Science is one component of the 6-unit Rivers Project, the other units address chemistry, biology, geography, mathematics and language arts. This unit is built upon hydrological assessment of river or stream ecosystems. Students learn how climate, geology, and society affect water quality. Students build earth science knowledge and field skills while using cartography, meteorology, and geology to investigate natural and human influences on rivers.
|
| Rivers: Geography |
Rivers: Geography is one unit of the 6-volume Rivers Project. The other units are Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science, Mathematics and Language Arts. This curriculum will help students understand the relationships among people, places, and environments and the interactions that occur on local, regional and global scales. Students explore a historical perspective of both the physical geography and the human development of an area river. Role play of environmental decision-making is a strong culminating activity. |
| Rivers: Language Arts |
Rivers: Language Arts in one component of a 6-unit River Project, the others dealing with chemistry, biology, earth science, geography and mathematics. This unit is particularly useful in conjunction with any of the others as it focuses on important communication skills for high school students studying the environment. Students develop skills in journalistic, expressive and scientific technical writing, they make oral presentations, practice interviewing and historical research techniques and write political letters. The Rivers Project maintains a website at www.siue.edu/OSME/river where water quality data collected in other units is entered for use of others, student writing is shared and other materials are available. |
| Rivers: Mathematics |
Rivers: Mathematics is a part of the Rivers Project, which also includes Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science, Geography and Language Arts. This unit achieves the goal of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics that "instruction should be developed for problem-solving situations' using actual stream study. Skills needed to perform tests, make observations, analyze and present data are emphasized. Pre- and post-tests are included in each lesson. The mathematical concepts are reviewed and practiced within the context of stream study, then applied to real life data collected by students in field situations. They monitor changes in river levels, explore water use and estimate quantities, clean a river or stream area and analyze debris data, and test water quality and use statistics to infer impact on overall stream health. |
| Sea Sampler: Aquatic Activities for the Field and Classroom |
Elementary, Grades K-6. Curriculum addresses a variety of science
and ecological topics, e.g., salt water characteristics, osmosis,
food web, niche and communities. There are 7 field and 14 classroom
activities. Detailed background information is not provided for
teacher or student; sources are listed where to find the necessary
information.
Secondary, Grades 7-12 (separate edition). Similar activities as
the elementary edition addressing similar topics relating to
coastal/salt water living. This curriculum deals with more
integrated skills and concepts, e.g.,taxonomy, food web/energy
flow. |
| Sense of Water, A - Elementary edition |
Materials provide a set of short activities which can be integrated
into a variety of disciplines and grade levels. Activities are
organized according to sections, including: dependency of life on
water, the science of water including water ecology, climate, water
distribution and use, pollution potential of water, and the role of
water in culture. Each lesson is indexed by chapter reference,
grade, subject, length of activity, concept, key vocabulary and
credits. Includes suggestions for evaluation, subject and topic
index. A unique perspective includes activities which address the
concept that water of varying degrees of contamination may have
uses other than drinking. |
| Sensing the Sea - (K-1) & (2-3) (2 Booklets) |
Activities center around set-up and care of saltwater aquarium.
Focuses on process skills of investigation (especially observation
and hypothesis). Unique aspects include use of the skill of
questioning (unusual), mostly through teacher example and the use
of divergent questions for which student proposes possible
solutions rather than decidedly "correct" answers. Book 2 teaches
difference between observation and inference. |
| Significance of Soil |
Significance of Soil is a primary component of the Adopt-A-Watershed K-12 science curriculum. Activity-based lessons present concepts, which are observed and/or applied in field situations; and culminate in a soil conservation action project and the creation of an informative brochure. Masters for Student Soil Saver Booklets and transparencies are included. Detailed Materials/Equipment sections and Advanced Preparation checklists make complex lessons manageable. |
| Sourcebook for Watershed Education |
Activities revolve around two areas: watershed and water quality
monitoring, and understanding changes and trends withing the whole
watershed. The manual is divided into two parts: 1) the first provides a
framework and strategy for coordinators developing a watershed program
network. It includes topics such as budget construction, program goals and
identification, and community participation and networking; 2) the second
part focuses on educators and includes a section on educational
philosophies, examples of curriculum matrices and models for
interdisciplinary education, and examples of units, lessons, and
activities designed by GREEN participants across the United States. |
| SPLASH Stormwater Pollution: Learn and Share |
This K-8 curriculum was developed by the City of Eugene Public Works Stormwater Management Program to build a community of responsible water users with emphasis on their untreated stormwater. Primary lessons highlight the water cycle, city water systems, personal water use, and the impact of pollution on plant and animal life. Intermediate sections focus on local ecosystems and community issues. The middle school curriculum examines the role of human use in stormwater, wetlands and the Eugene area watershed. The curriculum is available online, but relies on an accompanying kit from the Stormwater Management Program with student materials and worksheets. |
| Splash: Water Resource Education |
SPLASH is a set of resources and activities for middle school classrooms that promote protection of water resources. Originally produced as a packet of activities and fact sheets by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the materials are available online or in print format. Activities range from building hydrologic cycle and wetland models, and constructing a solar-powered desalination plant to brainstorming potential future sources for drinking water and designing a SW Florida seaside community. |
| Stop, Look and Learn About Our Natural World Vol. 1 |
Only lessons specifically related to water resources are included
in this survey; thus it covers only Unit 2 of Volume 1 (27 of 216
pages). Other units cover soil, plant, tree, and wildlife
conservation. Materials were developed with a resource conservation
orientation. Worksheet instructions may be too advanced to be read
independently by some K-2 students. Many activities combine content
and study skills. Includes guide that references activities
according to subject area, skill, page number, and topic. |
| Stop, Look and Learn About Our Natural World Vol. 2 |
This survey reviewed only material in Water Conservation Unit (49
pages). Other units in this 244-page booklet include soil, plant,
tree and wildlife conservation. Materials were developed with a
resource conservation orientation. Worksheet language may be too
advanced to be read independently by some 3rd and 4th graders.
Additionally, some 3rd and 4th graders may not have the math skills
to complete or understand computations included in the materials.
Many activities combine content and study skills. Includes guide
that references activities according to subject area, skill, page
number, and topic. |
| Stop, Look and Learn About Our Natural World Vol. 3 |
Reviewed unit on water conservation. Forty-four of book's 215 pages
devoted specifically to water conservation. See comments about
Volumes 1 and 2. |
| Story of Drinking Water, The |
Comic book about a variety of water issues is provided in English,
Spanish and French. The Teacher's Guide includes 19 activities to
provide hands-on experiences with topics mentioned in the comic
book. Intended for classroom application. Excellent focus on plight
of third world countries, i.e., water supply. |
| Stream Scene: Watersheds, Wildlife and People, The |
One of few curriculum, if any, focusing on riparian areas and
intermittent streams. Only curriculum reviewed that studies the
effect of stream flow (water quantity) on plant communities. One of
few to approach populations with strong mathematical orientation.
Includes appendices on making field equipment; a description of the
salmon-trout enhancement program; general stream survey terms;
water resource agencies. Includes science background for
instructors and activities for students on any particular topic.
Material likely too advanced for middle school students without
modification. |
| Stream Study and Water Quality Assessment Curriculum |
Written for grades 5-8, this curriculum focuses on stream ecology,
e.g., physical, biological and chemical monitoring. Curriculum
also addresses urban sources of water pollution and watershed
concepts. An "Outline of Advanced Concepts and Activities for
Stream Ecology and Monitoring" included, although, the material
provided in this guide may not sufficient for educator to carry
out. Instructor may have to refer to the supplemental sources for
detailed background information. The supplemental materials
available: Interpreting Results of Water Quality Tests in Streams
and Rivers. 1991. Frank Mitchell and Jeffery Schloss; and A Study
Guide to New England's Freshwater Wetlands. 1991. |
| STREAMS |
STREAMS--Science Teams in Rural Environments for Aquatic Management Studies, is an online curriculum for rural middle schools focusing on water resources and environmental stewardship. Using the Muddy Run Watershed of Huntingdon, PA for field study, this guide offers lesson outlines for collecting, analyzing and interpreting data along with identifying and formulating solutions to problems. Lessons present student objectives, procedures specific to the local area and assessment options. Handouts, worksheets and assessment tools are suggested from other water curricula, such as Aquatic Project WILD and Project WET, or must be teacher developed. |
| Streamside Community, The |
'The Streamside Community' is one of the few curriculum evaluated focusing on the identification and study of a riparian zone. During the course of this interdisciplinary curriculum, students observe, investigate, and inventory the plants and animals in a riparian ecosystem; learn about seed dispersal adaptations; and initiate a long-term amphibian population study and restoration project. (It is suggested that the teacher seeks assistance from a natural resource professional or botanist for plant identification.) The curriculum identifies and explores ecological concepts such as species, niche, indicator species, food webs, communities, and ecosystems. Throughout the curriculum, the concepts of interactions and interdependence within a community are emphasized. This evaluation includes the teacher's guide only; additional materials and resources are available through purchase of the classroom kit. |
| Streets to Streams: Youth Investigations into Water Quality |
The purpose is to educate 5-9th grade youth on surface water and ways to protect it. Suggested activities include a water festival and storm drain stenciling projects. The guide lacks pictures and graphics to illustrate key points. Also available, a 12-minute
video on storm drain stenciling, "Dump No Waste, Drains to Stream." |
| Summary for Teacher's Guide to World Resources Watershed Pollution |
The Watershed Pollution guide is part of a series that contains a
lesson plan, student handouts, overheads, and student enrichment
activities. Authors suggest how to integrate global environmental
education into high school curricula through the national Goals
2000: Draft National Performance Standards. Activities focus on
events that happen in a watershed. The guide presents perspectives
of developing and developed countries in water use, water,
pollution and watershed dynamics. Authors included a chart for
ideas referencing lesson plans and enrichment activities across
geopgraphy, math, science, civics, government, and history. To get
the most out of Oceans and Coasts, students should have an
introduction to ocean ecology and uses; discussions require
background for both teacher and student. Other units in the series
include: Watershed Pollution; Oceans and Coasts; Biodiversity;
Sustainable Development; Natural Resource Economics; Population,
Poverty, and Land Degradation; Energy, Atmosphere, and Climate; and
Citizen Action. |
| Surface Water |
Teacher's Guide provides background information and activities to
complement the student video. Student Guide provides additional
information about the water cycle, sources of water pollution,
wastewater treatment, and citizen action. Materials address the
concept of natural pollution, which is rather unique. |
| Tapwater Tour, The |
Activities enable students to test tap water and evaluate the water
quality. Highly directive teacher materials, script provided. |
| Teacher's Guide to World Resources: Oceans and Coasts |
Oceans and Coasts encourages high school students explore the
sources and effects of marine pollution, and steps taken to
minimize these effects. Subtopics include role of oceans,
pollution types, and fisheries. The unit format encourages teachers
and students to engage in thoughtful discussion of oceans.
Students receive fact sheets, maps, graphs and articles.
Enrichment activities suggest that students map ocean pollution,
examine aquaculture, investigate bioremediation and examine land
use issues. The Audiovisual Resource list and Further Reading list
provide additional background and better understanding of ocean and
coastal issues. To get the most out of this unit, students should
have an introduction to ocean ecology and uses; discussions require
background for both teacher and student. Others in the series
include: Watershed Pollution; Oceans and Coasts; Biodiversity;
Sustainable Development; Natural Resource Economics; Population,
Poverty, and Land Degradation; Energy, Atmosphere, and Climate; and
Citizen Action. |
| Teaching Aquifer Protection: ("TAP notebook"): A Curriculum Supplement |
Provides activities designed as a curriculum supplement. Focuses on
water quality protection and water conservation. Learning
objectives are referenced to state basic science skills for easy
interface with school curriculum. Written for South Carolina
audience, but more broadly applicable. |
| That Magnificent Ground Water Connection: A Resource Book for Grades 6-8 |
Two complete groundwater resource books are now available for teachers: one for grades K-6 and the other for grades 7-12. Both editions include selected groundwater-related activities adapted from available curricula. Incorporating the groundwater theme into science, stories, songs, math, social studies, art, and writing makes the resource books applicable over a range of subjects. The activities focus on groundwater issues in New England. Presenting the information with a New England spin teaches students about the region’s geologic and hydrologic idiosyncrasies and how groundwater and the water cycle function locally. Recognizing today’s children as tomorrow’s leaders, the curricula challenges students to think, sort out facts, brainstorm, experiment, and learn. |
| That Magnificent Ground Water Connection: A Resource Book for Grades K-6 |
Written for grades K-6 in the New England region, the curriculum deals
with groundwater issues through interdisciplinary activities on water
properties, the water cycle, groundwater, water distribution and
treatment, and water stewardship. It encourages students to apply their
learning toward citizen involvement and action. Authors provide thorough
background information and detailed activity instructions. The curriculum
contains examples specific to this region, but the core information and
activities are general and are broadly applicable. |
| Through the Looking Glass. Teachers' Guide. |
Curriculum focuses on marine awareness for elementary and high
school students through a field trip to the Nature Center at
Odiorne State Park, Rye, NH. Pre and post field trip activities
compliment and expand the concepts experienced during the trip.
Strong emphasis to incorporate activities into the standard
curriculum. Little to no background provided for teachers or
students on follow-up activities; only suggestions to integrate
marine awareness into the curriculum. |
| Wade into Watersheds |
Wade into Watersheds is an intermediate component of the Adopt-A-Watershed K-12 science curriculum. Activity-based lessons present concepts, which are observed and/or applied in field situations; and culminate in a water quality action project. Many lessons refer to projects in 6 resource books, which are included in the curriculum purchase. [NOT ALL RESOURCE BOOKLETS WERE REVIEWED.] Detailed Materials/Equipment sections and Advanced Preparation checklists are helpful. |
| Water Action Volunteers (WAV): Introductory, hands-on stream and river action projects for Wisconsin |
WAV is a collection of activities for youth leaders to select hands-on,
action-oriented projects for volunteer groups and classrooms. All
activities are adaptable to different age levels. The eight projects teach
about stream and river resources in Wisconsin, focusing especially on
community collaborative efforts to address pollution issues. |
| Water Activities: Teaching Environmental Responsibility |
This publication of the Miami (Ohio) Soil and Water Conservation District is a compilation of activities adapted from other sources and narrative background information. Materials address water, pollution and wetlands. A number of simulation games are included. It lacks organization for age level and consistency of format. |
| Water Around Us, The |
One of 3 packets designed as a supplement to the classroom. The
others are "Our Groundwater" and "The Water Around Us". Provides
directions for demonstrations and activities about the water cycle
and water conservation. |
| Water Conservation In-School Curriculum |
Water education activities designed for easy integration into class activities. Binder separates materials by grade. Each unit contains list of activities and materials needed, separated by day. When conducting activities, teacher borrows box of equipment from the Cooperative Extension office. Goals and objectives not stated for each activity specifically, but for the nit overall. Many of same concepts presented at each grade level (especially grades 1 and 2). Grade 4 examines climate effects_not usual part of most water curriculum. Grade 5 curriculum emphasizes soil and erosion. Includes suggestion for activities for science fairs and an environmental education packet from the Garden Club of America. Reading level and concepts may be too advanced for suggested grade levels. |
| Water Conservation: Environmental Action |
Water Conservation: Environment Action--Analyze, Consider options, Take action, In Our Neighborhoods is one component of a 6-module curriculum developed by E2: Environment & Education, that develops issue investigation and action skills as a prerequisite to environmentally responsible citizenship. In this module, students study hydrologic principles, pollution, water treatment, and water uses. They evaluate water quality and consumption at their school, analyze and interpret their data, develop alternate conservation plans, which they then critique through a cost/benefit anaylsis. They present a proposal on conservation to school authorities for consideration. In 'Environmental Action, Water Conservation,' students use the school environment to investigate and analyze water conservation issues in a cooperative learning environment. Activities progress from a traditional teacher-directed classroom format to a student-directed environment with teacher as facilitator. In this curriculum, students explore the different uses of water and the ways in which it can be conserved; conduct a school water audit; research proposed conservation strategies, and; present recommendations to the school administration or environmental committee. Completion of the curriculum requires eighteen through twenty, 50-55 minute classroom sessions. 'Environmental Action, Water Conservation' is one of six environmental education modules within the E2: Environment & Education program-each designed to stand alone or in conjunction with one another. |
| Water in Your Hands |
Curriculum consists of a comic book-style story about water with 4
accompanying activities. Relies on "learning cycle strategy:
exploration, concept development, and application." Suggests unique
educational strategy of using journals for notes, reflections, and
sharing them as parts of activities. Includes resource list for
both students and teachers. |
| Water Inspectors: Examining H2O |
One of five CASEC guides written for 10-15-year-olds. This activity booklet focuses on the
physical characteristics of water;e.g., salinity, temperature, taste, hardness and clarity.
Activities are designed to engage students in scientific testing methods, including making
predictions and manipulating variables one at a time to determine which variables cause
changes |
| Water Magic/Splash! |
Water Magic can be used separately or as a complement to Splash!
Activity Book. The 23 activities cover a range of water science,
water issues, and water topics in our culture. Activities are
varied and age appropriate. Most are appropriate for both the
classroom and nonformal settings. Some activities do not relate
well to stated objective. Illustrations and activity about
groundwater may lead to a misunderstanding of groundwater and
aquifer concepts. |
| Water Politics: A Water Education Program for High Schools |
Designed for 9-12 grade youth, this curriculum emphasizes water use
and water conflict issues. Covers such issues as conlficts among
urban, agricultural and environmental interests; water conservation
vs. developing new supplies, including the public participation
component. Uses case studies on water rights, canal building,
landfill development, protecting reservoir quality, risks and water
quality; water transfer, and the affect of the media on public
opinion, use of the Colorado River, and saving endangered species.
Some case studies seem biased in favor of development; do not
present the ecological impact of decisions on either side. Sways
students and teachers towards certain conclusions. Includes a map
of California aquaducts, "California Water Resources," and the
California Water Story, a video. Teacher background materials are
excellent. |
| Water Precious Water, Book A |
One of several publications from, Activities to Integrate Math and
Science (AIMS) in the grades 2 - 6 series. Limited duplication
rights are granted with purchase of materials. Math activities
often rely on an understanding of multiplication, division and
percentages. Some activities are provided in both a low math
(visual) and high math (multiplication/division) format. Water
activities are related to other curriculum areas through
"curriculum coordinates" which provide suggested activities for
language arts, social studies, and the arts. Predicting, measuring,
calculating, estimating and data collection and analysis skills are
emphasized. |
| Water Quality |
Water Quality is a high school component of the Adopt-A-Watershed K-12 science curriculum. The student-directed learning in this unit of study commences with a field trip during which students make observations and initiate inquiry about water quality. They engage in a simulation that reveals the complexity of water quality issues and encourages them to consider multiple perspectives of water and land use, as they clarify their personal beliefs. They research the water quality issue they identified, then collect data about the field site in preparation for a water quality improvement project. These student-directed research lessons are correlated to the 6-part Rivers Project curriculum as instructional guides for chemistry, biology, earth science, geography, math, and language arts. The unit culminates with a school-wide Watershed Fair. |
| Water Quality: Critical Issues/Critical Thinking Experience |
This 4-H Leader Guide presents four activities that promote awareness of water quality and utilize problem-solving techniques to address water quality issues. Simulations, an art activity, and discussion focus on how conflicting human interests impact water quality, supply, land use decisions and protection issues. |
| Water Quality: A Water Education Program |
Focuses on water quality as it applies to a public water supply
system. Includes text plus two activities. |
| Water Quality; Water Highways; Water Trade-offs |
Water education activities designed for easy integration into class activities. Binder
seperates material by grade. Each unit contains lists of activities and materials needed,
seperated by day. When conducting activities, the teacher borrows box of equipment from
the Cooperative Extension Office. Goals and objectives not stated for each activity specifically,
but for the unit overall. Many of same concepts presented at each grade level (especially
grades 1 and 2). Grade 4 examines climate effects- not usual part of most water curriculum.
Grade 5 curriculum emphasizes soil and erosion. Includes suggestion for activities for science
fairs and an environmental education packet from the Garden Club of America. Reading level
and concepts may be too advanced for suggested grade levels. |
| Water Res. Professional's Outreach Notebook: Ground Water |
This publication was developed for educational outreach. It provides a mechanism whereby an individual employed in a scientific fields associated with water resources assists an instructor (school teacher or youth group leader) in presenting information on selected groundwater topics. The materials require an instructor and water resources professional to work together. It is divided into two sections, one for an instructor and one for the water resources professional. Five lessons are included: aquifer, porosity, permeability, wells and calculations. The document is currently only available online, not as hard copy. |
| Water Resource Education: Water You Can Make A Difference (K-3) |
Binder contains K - 3 kit and materials for grades 4 - 6. It is not
immediately clear which materials are for teachers and which for
students. K - 3 activities cover the significance of water, the
water cycle, information about the New York water supply, and
hazardous household products. Materials for grades 4 - 6 include
importance of water, the water cycle, water supply, water
contamination, and water conservation. |
| Water Resource Education: Youth Education Curricula |
See notes for K - 3 version. This set contains some materials first
developed for WET (North Dakota). The curriculum correlates with NY
state syllabus-elementary science level III, Ecosystems. Reading
level may be too advanced for 4-6 graders. |
| Water Riches |
Nebraska's is reviewed since the Nebraska materials pioneered this
approach. Unique approach includes videos that introduce each of
5 units and an accompanying "newspaper" with more information and
activities for youth. Teacher packet provides guidance on how to
use the material. Other unusual aspects include suggestions for
review activities and activities to teach interviewing skills.
Incorporates study skills. Indiana and Missouri also have a Water
Riches curriculum |
| Water Sourcebook: Classroom Activities for Grades 9-12 |
Developed by Auburn University at Montgomery and Troy State University, this curriculum features hands-on activities which build knowledge and skills to assess water quality and the factors which influence it. The scope of topics is broad and student-focused investigations successfully address riparian ownership and water rights, mining and forestry practices, risk assessment, international water disputes, and the financial aspects of our environmental infrastructure along with many other issues. |
| Water Sourcebook: A Series of Classroom Activities |
Developed as a supplement to a school water education unit, each Water Sourcebook is divided into six chapters: Introduction to Water, Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment, Groundwater Resources, Surface Water Resources, and Wetlands/Coastal. Chapters are correlated with math, science, language arts, social studies and related arts curriculum goals. Each activity within a chapter includes (1)background information, (2)objectives, (3)subject(s), (4)time allotment, (5)materials list, (6)advance preparation, (7)procedure, and (8)resources. A resource section, fact sheets, and a glossary are included at the end of each sourcebook. |
| Water Sourcebook: A Series of Classroom Activities for Grades 3-5 |
Written by Tennessee Vally Authority, this curriculum set serves as a supplement to a school
water education unit. Water Sourcebooks are available in a scope and sequence format: K-2, 3-5,
6-8, and 9-12. Each Sourcebook provides the same 6 chapters: Introduction; Drinking Water and Waste
Water Treatment;Groundwater, Surface Water; Wetlands; and Coastal Waters. Chapters are correlated
with math, science, language arts, social studies, and related arts curriculum goals. An important
resource provided by this curriculum is a set of brief background act sheets on 29 water-related topics. |
| Water Sourcebook: A Series of Classroom Activities for Grades K-2 |
Developmentally appropriate activities introduce primary students to the science of water, the importance of clean drinking water, environmental impacts on surface water, groundwater and contamination, and the importance of wetlands in this curriculum guide developed by the Water Environment Federation in conjunction with EPA. Classroom teachers will appreciate the skills that students acquire in the lessons, such as estimation, measurement, graphing, prediction, and reporting data. Of particular note is the effective use of children's literature in many lessons. |
| Water Watcher: Official Resource Manual |
This primary curriculum is built on the Purdue three-stage enrichment model, teaching basic material and presenting group activities that promote the concepts of protection and management of Florida water supplies. It does not offer suggestions for independent projects, the third component of the model. Music is used throughout the unit to present and reinforce concepts. Topics addressed include Florida geography, water sources, salinity, aquatic wildlife, the hydrologic cycle, erosion, acid rain, water treatment, conservation and water-related careers. |
| Water Watchers |
Curriculum aims to improve understanding of personal water
conservation practices which will improve water conservation. Uses
water science kit and videos to complement written materials.
Instructor materials do not include a separate listing of what
materials will be needed when or what is included in the science
kit. Provides a science and social studies alternative for most
lessons. "Water Wizards" is the companion curriculum for grades
3-4. |
| Water Watchers: Conserving Water at Your School and Home |
This water audit handbook was developed to support water stewardship projects of classrooms involved in the TEAM WET Schools Program. It offers all teachers hands-on water conservation investigations that foster personal responsibility and stewardship of the urban water environment. It presents activities to explore issues, analyze water use, consider conservation options, and take action to effect positive change both in the school and student home environments. |
| Water Wisdom: A Curriculum Guide for Grades 4 through 8 |
This curriculum is a supplement to the California State Environmental Education Guide, consisting of three units: Water Nurturing Nature, Water Rights and Responsibilities, and Water Symbolism. The units highlight science, social studies and language arts concepts. Lessons focus on the importance of water to all biological systems; examine "ownership" and responsibility regarding water use and distribution; and explore the thematic and symbolic role of water in myths and folklore of various cultures. |
| Water Wise |
For use in 5-6th grade classrooms. Activities focus on the water
cycle, the aquatic environment, and the causes, effects, and
prevention of water pollution. Provides elementary science syllabus
chart which correlates water activities with elementary science
skills. |
| Water Wizards |
Water delivery system and conservation emphasis. Excellent support
material, instructions and diagrams for instructor. "Water
Watchers" is the companion curriculum for grades 7-8. |
| Water Worlds |
These materials were designed to be used in a 4-H club setting. The
folder provides leader and member guides, activity fact sheets and
record keeping sheets. Basic focus is to give youth opportunities
to explore and observe aquatic environments. Collection/sampling
section includes tips on minimal impact sampling_a nice touch.
Water careers is included as a suggestion to invite as guest
lecturers people whose careers involve water. Reading material may
be too advanced for the young end of the suggested age range. |
| Water, Water Everywhere |
Includes teacher's guide to laboratory and field testing of water
for a variety of parameters supplemented by a separate student text
and teacher resource manual. One of few (if any) curricula to
address radioactive waste. One of few curricula to address concept
of how risk decisions are made in the water quality reference unit
booklet. Includes homework activities. |
| Water, Water Everywhere, But.. Where's Everywhere? |
Although developed specifically for grades 5 through 9, activities can be
adapted for K-12th grade students. The booklet is divided into three
sections: a general lesson outline for each unit; background information
in a series of short articles; and, ‘criteria checklists’ to guide and
evaulate student learning. The five units are estimated to take from 5 to
10 days to complete. Activities are primarily instructor-led readings and
discussions. The guide highlights international water issues in the United
States and Africa; Tanzania, in particular. |
| Watershed Connections |
A 'Teacher's Guide' and 'Youth Activity Worksheets' publication designed to be used in conjunction with each counties 'Watershed Connections' publication in Indiana. Activities include: Watersheds of Indiana, River Discharge; Floods, Floodplains, and Flood Probabilities; Understanding Ground Water Flow; Your Drinking Water; Comparative Ground Water Vulnerability; Pollution Sources; Water Resource Terms; and Web Search. |
| Watershed Science for Educators |
Designed as a watershed monitoring resource packet, this curriculum can be incorporated into formal and non-formal education settings. Students will learn to: (1)read topographic maps, (2)interpret aerial photographs, (3)predict potential water quality impacts, (4)identify aquatic invertebrates, (5)calculate water quality indexes, (6)conduct water chemistry tests, (6) measure and record physical measurements of a waterway, and (7)organize and interpret data. The curriculum includes background information, activities, and assessments. |
| Watershed to Bay: A Raindrop Journey. A Critical and Creative Thinking Approach to Understanding Coastal Watershed Systems. |
Written for 4th-8th grade youth living in watersheds along the
Massachussets coast. Activities are designed to help learners develop
critical thinking and investigation skills and an understand of basic
science concepts about watersheds, estuaries and groundwater systems. This
is accomplished through stories, models, experiments and observation. It
also includes a teaching kit for $115.00 and includes the curriculum guide
and a complete supplies kit. |
| Ways of the Watersheds, The: An Educator's Guide to the Env. & Cultural Dynamics of NY City's Water Supplies |
A curriculum guide exploring the environmental and cultural dynamics surrounding New York City's watersheds. Units cover the hydrology, geology, and ecology of watersheds; pollution; development; technology; and conservation within the watershed. |
| We Depend of Illinois (formerly Water: The Liquid of Life) |
Water education materials for use in fifth grade classrooms.
Materials emphasize text, with some supportive activities. The six
modules include: earth as a closed system, the relationship of
water to life, the hydrologic cycle, wastewater treatment, water
protection, water testing and treatment, and lakes. Poster
included. |
| Wet and Wild Water |
Written for a broad audience (K-12), activities range from simple
counting to writing resumes and filling out job applications. The
"Core Knowledge" (background info.) consists of a list of facts.
All activities are written for the indoors. There is only one
specific unit that adresses water but from the viewpoint of
manufacturing, marketing, accounting and sales of aquariums. A
unique approach to water education. |
| WET in the City: Water Education for Teachers |
WET in the City is a compendium of activities that focus on water resources for urban classrooms, K-12. The activities are organized to address the following concepts: water has unique physical and chemical characteristics, water is essential for all life to exist, water connects to all Earth systems, water is a natural resource, water resources are managed, water resources exist within social constructs, and water resources exist within cultural constructs. The curriculum is only available as part of a workshop and requires the partnership of city government. As of 6/16/03 Washington DC, Los Angeles, Tulsa and Houston were the only cities participating. Check with Project WET about local participation. 713-520-1936. |
| Wetland Ecosystems I |
This curriculum developed by Ducks Unlimited Canada is subtitled Habitats, Communities and the Diversity of Life. Nine lessons lead students through an exploration of wetlands. They gather information related to organisms that live in, on, or near water in wetlands, discovering interactions and interdependencies. Experiments highlight the impact of human activity in wetland ecosystems. |
| Wetland Ecosystems II |
Subtitled Interactions and Ecosystems, this unit focuses on wetland types, energy pyramids, abiotic factors, feeding adaptations and organism relationships, population effects, and human interventions. It includes a field trip to a local wetland, building on the lessons and teaching students about sampling techniques, observation, teamwork, safety procedures, and data analysis.
|
| Wetland Ecosystems III |
Subtitled Evolution, Diversity and the Sustainability of Life, this unit's goal is "to help students enhance their understanding of the environmental, technological, and social aspects of science." It examines environmental impact assessment, socio-political considerations in environmental solutions, biodiversity, sustainable development, adaptations, natural selection, wetland types, pollution and taxonomy. A wetland field trip involves students in collection, measurement of water flow and water clarity, identification of plant and animal specimens, and markers of adaptation. |
| Wetlands and Wildlife: Alaska Wildlife Curriculum Teacher Information Manuals and Guides |
Materials provide information and teaching activities about Alaska's wetland habitats
and animals for three different grade levels: K-3, 4-6, and junior/senior high school.
Included are wetlands awareness, wetland ecology, human ecology, human impacts on wetlands,
and migratory birds. The lower grade levels emphasixe ecology while the activities for higher
levels stress investigation and action skills. Field trip materials provide significant support
for issues investigation activities. |
| Wetlands: A Major North America Issue. An Environmental Case Study
for Grades 6-9. |
This study guide applies wetland study to four Environmental
Education Goals: (1) science foundations; (2) issue awareness; (3)
issue investigation, and; (4) citizenship action. The author uses
Dr. Seuss's, The Lorax, as the sample case study at each Goal
Level. Students are introduced to several human values and beliefs
toward wetlands, as well as the affects of human presence on
wetlands in a "Wetland Issues Web." Students then collect and
analyze opinionnaires and questionnaires of the community's
perception of wetlands. This summarized data leads to the next
Goal Level, Citizenship Action, where students suggest solutions to
the identified problems. The author provides a section on Types of
Issue Action Methods to assist students and adults with citizenship
actions necessary to solve community issues. |
| What is Water?: A Stream Becomes an Ocean. |
Materials cover the four topics listed in the title. Designed as
school curriculum or school enrichment. Includes leader and member
guides. |
| Wild Louisiana |
This curriculum is divided into three modules: Vanishing Wetlands;
Gata Data: and Louisiana Redfish. Each unit includes a background
information unit plan and a video unit plan (the video accompanies
the curriculum). The curriculum is not clearly organized between the unit
plans and the video unit plans. All units strongly emphasize the
ecological and economical value of wetlands, redfish, and alligators.
All units incorporate ecological concepts including niche, habitat,
eurotophication, ecosystem, biotic and abiotic factors. |
| Wise Water Ways |
Three units designed for third through fifth grades. Emphasizes
water conservation in a desert environment. |
| Wonderful World of Water. A Curriculum Guide for Elementary Schools. |
Designed for the K-5 audience, the activities are divided into 4
units: the water cycle, water properties, water ecosystem, and
water use by humans. A few activities draw relationships between
water transport and human physiological functions, e.g., nutrient
transport per blood. Some activities may be too advanced for
primary grades and will have to be adapted. Authors include a list
of "Interdisciplinary Ideas" for the educator. |
| World of Fresh Water |
World of Fresh Water: A Resource for Studying Issues of Freshwater Research was designed to promote understanding and appreciation of freshwater systems as plant and animal habitat for students in grades 4-6, but is adaptable for older students. The sixteen activities in this EPA-developed curriculum address water use, ecosystems, food chains, and pollution of fresh water. Students create and monitor pond models. They perform experiments that demonstrate the efficacy of dilution and bioremediation, the impact of pollutants on aquatic organisms, and bioaccumulation in life forms. |
| WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands |
This is an educator's guide to providing activities to help kids
understand wetlands, the wetland community, and wetland issues.
Information is presented in a dense, but lively and attractive
format. One of a few curriculum that talks about "natural
pollution," and the effect of weather upon water quality. Excellent
use of kinesthetic games to demonstrate water-related dynamics.
Unique inset for some lessons called "Nature In Your Neighborhood."
Includes suggestions to modify activities for younger and more
advanced students. Materials include restoration and action guides.
Includes suggestion for community action projects at end. |
| Your Impact on Salmon/Fish: A Self-Assessment |
This self-assessment tool for older students and adults queries personal behaviors that affect salmon habitat. Categories of assessment include water use, lawn care and landscaping, electricity consumption, septic system maintenance, storm drains, vehicles, stewardship, chemicals and hazardous waste, volunteerism and active involvement in policy-making. |
© 2003 by Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System.