Polluted Merrimack

Introduction: This activity demonstrates that we are all part of the problem of pollution. It also shows that protecting the environment is not a one-time event, but requires ongoing changes to our habits.

Level: Grades 5-8

Time: 45 minutes

• Lesson Preparation
• Prior Knowledge Required
• Background Information
• Vocabulary
• Anticipate Student Preconceptions/ Misconceptions
• Frameworks Connections
• Guiding Questions
• Activity
• Assessment
• Differentiated Suggestions
• Adapting the Activity for Other Grades
• Bibliography
• Rubric
• Print Entire Lesson Plan

polluted_lessonLesson Preparation

Materials: Testing kits for pH, phosphates, nitrates, turbidity.  1 gallon tap water in a large, clear, wide-mouthed container. 16 labels (see attached sheet). 16 small plastic containers. 

Make labels for the pollutants in the small plastic containers, cut them out, and tape them to the small plastic containers. Fill the small plastic containers with ingredients (see attached sheet). Put one gallon of tap water into the large, clear, wide-mouthed container.

polluted_priorPrior Knowledge Required

It would be helpful for students to have knowledge of the water cycle, and familiarity with the concept of pollution.

polluted_backgroundBackground Information

The emphasis in this activity is on non-point source pollution. Non-point source pollution is mostly the result of runoff. The source and extent of pollutants from runoff are very difficult to identify, measure, and control. Non-point source pollutants can lead to devastating changes to the life in a stream or river.

polluted_vocabularyVocabulary

Pollutant: any substance, as certain chemicals or waste products, that renders the air, soil, water, or other natural resource harmful or unsuitable for a specific purpose.

polluted_anticipatedAnticipated Student Preconceptions/ Misconceptions

A common misconception is that pollutants are easy to clean up. Another misconception is that most pollutants are introduced into the environment by accidents and large factories.

polluted_frameworksFrameworks Connections

Life Science,
Grades 6-8,

#12. Relate the extinction of species to a mismatch of adaptation and the environment.

#17. Identify ways in which ecosystems have changed throughout geologic time in response to physical conditions, interactions among organisms, and the actions of humans.

polluted_guidingGuiding Question

What are the many ways that pollutants can enter a river?

Objectives

Students will be able to:

* Describe everyday activities can have an effect on the health of the river

* Discuss the actions they can take to help prevent pollution.

Polluted_ActivityActivity

1. Have students arrange themselves around the container of water that represents the Merrimack River. 
2. Have the students test the water for color, odor, pH, phosphates, nitrates, and turbidity. 
3. Distribute the set of canisters to the students representing the environmental and human factors that have an effect on a waterway. 
4. Students should keep the identity of the contents of their canister a secret. 
5. Explain that when a pollutant is mentioned as you read the story, the student with the corresponding canister should empty its contents into the river (the jar of water). 
6. Read the story on the attached page out loud to the class. After you have completed the story, test the water again for color, odor, pH, phosphates, nitrates, and turbidity.

Polluted_AssessmentAssessment

Partnership

The Tsongas Industrial History Center is an education partnership between the University of Massachusetts Lowell School of Education and the National Park Service at Lowell National Historical Park.