Stream Chemistry Across the Fall Zone

Time: Approximately 210 minutes.

9-12Urban Ecosystems

Objectives

Students will analyze and interpret data to identify patterns in water quality parameters across urban and reference stream sites.
Students will obtain and effectively communicate scientific information from credible scientific sources in order to better understand the various research parameters and their impacts on stream health and critical zone functions.
Students will use their data analysis as evidence to argue how urbanization and other human developments impact critical zone processes.

Overview

Rating:

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students analyze stream chemistry data from sites across the Fall Zone to investigate how urbanization affects water quality and critical zone processes. Through data analysis, research, and mapping, students identify patterns in water quality parameters, evaluate the impact of human activities, and construct scientific arguments based on evidence. The lesson emphasizes real-world environmental data analysis and the role of urbanization in shaping watershed dynamics.

Lesson Structure

Introduction & Brainstorming (15 min)
1. Students examine images of different stream sites and rank their urbanization level.
2. Discuss how urbanization might impact water quality.
3. Generate initial questions about urbanization and stream chemistry.
Data Analysis with CODAP (60 min)
1. Students explore stream chemistry data using CODAP.
2. Identify patterns and trends in parameters like alkalinity, nitrogen, carbon, and chloride.
3. Record findings and discuss observations in small groups.
Researching Water Quality Parameters (60 min)
1. Students investigate the role of different stream chemistry parameters.
2. Groups present findings on how these parameters affect critical zone processes.
Deeper Analysis & Cross-Site Comparisons (45 min)
1. Students analyze additional datasets, including watershed basin maps and land cover data.
2. Identify relationships between land use and stream chemistry trends.
Constructing Arguments & Conclusion (30 min)
1. Students develop a claim about the impact of urbanization on stream chemistry.
2. Support claims with data-based evidence and scientific reasoning.
3. Whole-class discussion to synthesize key takeaways.

Key Student Outcomes

Analyze and interpret water quality data to identify patterns across urban and reference sites.
Research and communicate the significance of different stream chemistry parameters.
Use evidence to construct arguments about how urbanization affects watershed health.
Apply data analysis and mapping tools to real-world environmental questions.

Recommended Prior Learning

Introduction to the Critical Zone - UCZ Data Lesson
Basic understanding of watersheds and watershed dynamics
Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., CODAP)

Materials

Student Worksheets
- Lesson Worksheet
- Data Dig Worksheet
- Parameter Research Organizer
- Digging Deeper Worksheet
- Pulling it all Together Worksheet
Additional Lesson Resources
- Opening Activity Slides
- Dataset (make a copy!)
- CODAP
- USGS Site Basin Maps
  - Site coordinates
- MRLC Land Cover Maps
  - Link to MRLC website
- Google Earth Project
  - Supplementary Satellite Images

Procedure

Please view the Teacher Guide included in this lesson's digital resources for intensive instructions for any teacher who wishes to implement “Stream Chemistry Across the Fall Zone” with their students. We welcome feedback and insights following implementation. If you would like to share your experience with “Stream Chemistry Across the Fall Zone,” please complete this Feedback Form (https://bit.ly/4hw7Jks). We hope you enjoy using “Stream Chemistry Across the Fall Zone” with your students!

Resources