Principles of Water Quality Illustrate the Concept of Good Science

Elementary, Middle

Description

During these three lessons from the compilation Healthy Water Healthy People, students learn how to create and conduct inquiries using scientific methodology. Emphasis is placed on teaching students to plan, accurately observe, and record all details and results. In the third lesson, students participate in a webquest where they investigate different value perspectives surrounding the issue of water quality.

Lesson One - Carts and Horses: students design their own experiment and carry out a scientific inquiry that could culminate in a science fair project.

Lesson Two - Hitting the Mark: students carry out an experiment that focuses on establishing need for accuracy and precision.

Lesson Three - Multiple Perspectives: students are introduced to water use beyond what they commonly know through a webquest. They learn that there is more than one way of looking at an issue and that sometimes these perspectives and their associated values compete.

General Assessment

Themes Addressed

Relevant Curriculum Units