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Hydrologic Cycle and Water Quality

Description: 

This blended unit covers the content in the ChemCom curriculum for Part A of the Water Unit.  In particular, this unit discusses water quality, the hydrologic cycle, and covers some basic descriptive statistics.

Learning Targets: 
Identify direct and indirect water uses, as well as examples of each.
Describe water purification techniques.
Describe the hydrologic cycle and identify the main reservoirs of water on Earth.
Compare the amount of water a human needs to live with the amount of water we use on a daily basis.
Calculate a range, median, and mean (average) of a given data set.
AttachmentSize
File Blended Lesson Plan-Siko.docx17.91 KB
Author: 
jason.siko
Content Area: 
Science
Environmental Science
Language: 
English
Resource Type: 
Unit
Licensing: 
Creative Commons Licence
Grade: 
9-12
Tags: 
cohort09-11-2017

Student prerequisite skills and knowledge

Students should have passed a biology and earth science course, and be concurrently enrolled in algebra.  Basic math skills are required.  A student should have a working knowledge of water's properties as a solvent, as well as phases of matter.

How is the concept or procedure explained or demonstrated?

Statistics are presented through lecture, guided practice, and individual practice (both in class and through web-based activities).

The hydrologic cycle is presented through lecture and simulation.

Water usage data is collected through a journal/diary.

Water purification techniques are demonstrated through laboratory activities.

Culminating activity involves addressing social issues regarding water access and water quality through blogging and discussion.

What concepts or procedures are being explained or demonstrated in this lesson object?

The hydrologic cycle, water purification techniques, and basic descriptive statistics.

What was your experience, both successes and challenges, using this lesson object with your students?

Students often struggle with statistics.

Water usage diary activity can be difficult for those not living at home, or who spend time between multiple households.  Estimations can be off, and opportunities to 'fudge' numbers must be considered.