Title: Immersion into the Hudson River Water Quality Investigation
Instructional Objectives:
Students become aware of a Hudson River ecological problem linked to urbanization, industrialization and sprawl.
Students generate their own questions for investigation throughout their water quality research.
Materials Check List:
Access to NPR radio archive online at (“Hudson River Trouble”) http://npr.org/features/feature.php?wfId=1117383
Class computers with access to the Internet for the Water Quality Assessment Webquest http://webquest.mschien.com
Large pieces of paper for investigative questions, one per class.
Pre Class Activity: None
Aim: What's the big deal about the Hudson River?
Do Now (Individual): The Hudson River is a vital part of New York State and New York City. List at least 10 things that you know about the Hudson. Feel free to share some experiences you had, or would like to have (Circle Line, railroading, camping, etc) on the Hudson River.
THE CLASS WORKSHOP
Class share: Class share their DO NOW responses.
Introduce NPR radio show about the Hudson River. Instruct students to listen carefully for any new and interesting information about the Hudson.
Individual Activity: Free write—What is some new information you've learned about the Hudson River? In what ways do you see yourself connected to the overall issues of urbanization and industrialization?
Pair share/Class share: Pair-share individual responses. Students then class-share their chats about the radio show. Be sure to clearly define the meaning of urbanization, industrialization and sprawl in environmental science.
Introduce the project by presenting the case to the students as water quality scientists working for the EPA. Present past student data on the website, and emphasize the students' job to contribute to the annual School of the Future monitoring of the water quality of the Hudson River. Emphasize that their results will be published online for the public to view.
Pair Activity: Students brainstorm questions about Hudson River water quality they want to investigate.
Class Share: Students share questions for investigation. Questions are then documented on a class poster board for constant reference and research.
Students will be given their research teams. Teams are assigned to a specific water quality component (2-3 person group). Demonstrate the WebQuest that accompanies the research project to help guide their ultimate product.
Team Engagement: Teams breakout onto class computers and browse the WebQuest for 10 minutes. Teams assign a team facilitator, resource person and team leader.
TALK ABOUT FOLLOW UP FOR HOMEWORK
Download the TASK SHEET off the WebQuest and complete question #1-2 under Research Decomposition. Be prepared to meet with your teams tomorrow to present your understanding.
CLASS WRAP-UP
Instructor should utilize this time to answer any technical and logistical questions about the WebQuest.
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