Human Impacts—Nonpoint Source Pollution Summary: Nonpoint source pollution (NSP) comes from many diffuse sources, and is a leading cause of water quality problems in the U.S.. In this topic guide, students identify different types of NSP and their effects on water quality. Concepts to teach: Nonpoint source pollution, runoff, point source pollution, toxins, biomagnification, eutrophication […]
Human Use of Resources—Wastewater Management Summary: Where does dirty water go when it leaves your home? This topic guide focuses on wastewater movement and treatment in municipal areas. Concepts to teach: Storm water, wastewater, water treatment plant, septic system Goals: Students recognize that water is an important resource used by humans, and that wastewater must […]
Place—Stormwater Pathways Summary: Where does rainwater go after it hits the ground? In this topic guide, students find out where stormwater around their school or other local area goes, and what environmental contaminants might get picked up along the way. Concepts to teach: Stormwater, storm drains, sewer system Goals: Students work with storm drain maps […]
Stewardship—Stop the Invasion Summary: Aquatic invasive species are a big problem, but there are actions students can take that make a difference. Whether through mapping and reporting invasive species, participating in invasive species removal projects, or through educating the public, students help stop the spread of invasive species. Concepts to teach: Invasive species, early detection […]
Stewardship—Landscaping Projects Summary: In the previous topic guides, students learned about the human impacts affecting land and water ecosystems. In this topic guide, students take action to improve or restore a local area to improve the health of the ecosystem. Concepts to teach: Ecosystem, habitat, stewardship, sustainability, invasive species, erosion Goals: Students plan improvements to […]
Human Impacts—Invasive Species Impacts Summary: The Oregon Sea Grant Extension WISE Program (Watershed and Invasive Species Education) provides teacher resources for teaching about invasive species in Oregon. WISE teachers have created, tested and posted their lesson plans online, and we highlight some of those projects in this focus area. Concepts to teach: Invasive species Goals: […]
Human Impacts—How Do Trees Affect Erosion? Summary: Students explore the concept of erosion and how it impacts environments. They also discover how trees and other factors affect erosion. Concepts to teach: Erosion, impervious surfaces, turbidity, models, scientific inquiry Goals: Students use a model to discover how trees help prevent erosion and turbidity. Standards: S6.3S1, S6.3S2 […]
Human Impacts—Local Habitat Assessment Summary: Students explore their schoolyard or other local site to determine how human activity may have impacts on animal habitats, animal populations, and/or plant populations. Concepts to teach: Habitat, adaptation, scientific inquiry, erosion, invasive species Goals: Students will apply their knowledge about land use to their local outdoor site, and assess […]
Human Use of Resources—Water Use Summary: How much water do we use? By exploring online water use resources and conducting personal surveys at home and in the classroom, students will gain an understanding of how humans utilize water resources. Concepts to teach: Water use, resource, conservation Goals: Students will gain a better understanding of the […]
Human Use of Resources—Land Plan Challenge Summary: Community planning can balance human needs and the health of natural resources. In this classroom modeling activity from Windows to the Universe, “students use simplified maps to plan towns, being conscious of water resources, and then learn how their town fits into the larger community.” Concepts to teach: […]