Human Impact on the Living Planet

Program Description

Tracing the water cycle, from precipitation to surface water runoff, students investigate how humans impact the health of the environment. Through stories of everyday activities, students make predictions, conduct observations, and formulate conclusions as our staff conduct live experiments. After observing the test of a simple water filter, students propose changes to improve the design and discuss ways in which their community can reduce its impact on Earth’s resources.

Subjects

Environmental Science, Earths Systems, Earth and Human Activity

Topics

Water cycle, Watersheds, Human Impact on the Environment, Filter Systems

Massachusetts History and Social Studies Frameworks

Grade 5

ESS2-1. Use a model to describe the cycling of water through a watershed through evaporation, precipitation, absorption, surface runoff, and condensation.

ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information about ways communities reduce human impact on the Earth’s resources and environment by changing an agricultural, industrial, or community practice or process.

ESS3-2. Test a simple system designed to filter particulates out of water and propose one change to the design to improve it.

TIHC field trip substitute

River as a Classroom 

Grades

4-8

Student # limit

25

Program duration

45 minutes

Program format/software platform

Classroom, home, and hybrid options are available. The classroom version requires individual computers (with headphones) or a computer and projector/smart-board. Home versions require each student to have their own computer or tablet. 

All programs require Zoom software. We will provide a passcode-protected link to share.

Suggested pre-program activities

Watch the film The Merrimack: The River at Risk from New Hampshire PBS

Suggested post-program activities

If/Then activity

Reservations details

The cost is $125.00 per program.

Call us at 978-970-5080 to reserve your program date and time.