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Lesson 3: Complete the Water Sampling Tests

Overview
Students will complete that water quality tests that have been selected as part of the project. Some of the sampling tests for this project are required. It is important that all participants supply data for the required tests, therefore providing enough information for students to analyze. Some tests are optional, but are important parameters to measure when studying invertebrates and water quality. Background information, testing procedures, and expected test result ranges can all be located in the Water Sampling Tests Fieldbook.

Additionally, make sure that the students are comfortable with the testing kits prior to the first "sampling experience". Time permitting, the Enrichment Lesson: Kit Practice is highly recommended to familiarize the students with the test kits. The better the comfort level, usually, the more accurate the results.

Objectives
Students will:

analyze the quality of a water sample through chemical means and physical observations.

identify, sort, and count macroinvertebrates found in a water sample.

Time
Depends if students participate in a field trip:

One to two hours if the students take a field trip to the fresh water body (river, stream, etc.)

One or two 45 minute class periods if you bring back water samples and macroinvertebrates to identify in the classroom.

Materials

Data Collection Student Worksheet

Downloadable version: - activity3.pdf - activity3.doc

Water Sampling Tests Fieldbook

Downloadable version: fieldbook.pdf - fieldbook.doc

Equipment and Testing Kits: The equipment and test materials will vary depending on the optional tests you conduct.

Teacher Preparation
Familiarize yourself with the water sampling tests and review some of the organisms you expect to find in the sample. Background information, testing procedures, and expected test result ranges can all be located in the Water Sampling Tests Fieldbook. Additional Macroinvertebrate identification resources can be located in the Reference Material section.

Assessment Suggestions

Have students create a species fact sheet about one of the macroinvertebrates found in the sample.

Create and use Macroinvertebrate Flash Cards as review or quiz.

Procedure

NOTE: The following instructions also appear in the Project Instructions section of this web site.

Activity 3: Complete the Water Sampling Tests

Some of the water sampling tests are required while others are optional. The reason for this is to provide students with enough information to make a general determination of their water quality. Please note that background information and test procedure instructions are described in the Water Sampling Tests Fieldbook.

Review the REQUIRED and select the OPTIONAL water sampling tests from the Water Sampling Tests Fieldbook that you would like to conduct for this project.

Required Tests: General Observations, Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen, & Macroinvertebrates

Optional Tests: Nitrates, Phosphates, Biological Oxygen Demand, Turbidity, & Coliform Bacteria

Obtain the necessary equipment and testing kits corresponding to the water sampling tests that you will conduct. Make sure that you are comfortable with the testing kits prior to the first "sampling experience". The better the comfort level, usually, the more accurate the results.

Once you have selected the tests, plan your trip to the fresh water body (i.e. river, stream, etc.) and complete the water sampling tests.

IMPORTANT: many of the water sampling tests MUST be conducted at the fresh water sampling site. If it is not possible to conduct a field trip with all of the students, complete the necessary tests at the fresh water body and bring extra water samples as well as the macroinvertebrates back to the classroom so students can have first-hand experience using the testing equipment.

Once you have completed the water sampling tests, proceed to the next activity (Activity 4) to analyze your findings and make a general determination about the water quality of the fresh water body.