MEASURING RAINFALL AND RELATIONSHIPS
BETWEEN pH, ALKALINITY & SUSPENDED SOLIDS
IN THE PAGO RIVER
(STREAM CONDITION MONITORING)




ASSURE Lesson Plan

Name
Stephen H. Vold
ED451-21
February 9, 2009
Brief Summary of the Lesson
This lesson will incorporate multiple skill sets: Sample Collection, Testing, Observation, Data Entry into a Spreadsheet with Graphs, Interpretation of Data Relationships and on-line search and retrieval of available information from various web sites.
Analysis of Learners
General Characteristics: 11th grade students 16 to 18 years of age from various socioeconomic backgrounds (Pacific Islanders, Korean, Japanese, Caucasians, African American). Number of students = 20, 9 males and 11 females.
Entry Competencies (prior knowledge needed): general lab skills, basic spreadsheet data entry (plus graphing knowledge), internet search ability and ability to utilize a word processor.
Learning Styles: visual (reading hand-outs & computer screens), audio (listening to instructor, web based video, others), kinesthetic (working on a computer and with paper documents)
State Objectives
· Understanding of proper sample techniques
· Understanding of what pH is
· Understanding of the definition of alkalinity
· Be able to define the difference between suspended solids and turbidity
· Ability to utilize and calibrate a pH meter
· Ability to utilize an alkalinity test kit
· Ability to use a simple rain gauge
· Ability to perform the test for suspended solids
· Use of computer spreadsheet for data entry and graph creation
· Utilize the Internet to search for available rainfall data
· Utilize the Internet to search for and print maps of the Pago Bay watershed
· Utilize the internet to search for information on the Pago River watershed characteristics.
· Write a 4 - 6 page double spaced report on factors affecting the Pago Bay watershed

Select Media, Materials and Methods
· Reserve computer lab for student use and internet access (MS Word and Excel required)
· Sample collection device
· pH meter with calibration buffers
· Alkalinity test kit
· Sample bottles and beakers
· Analytical balance, Millipore filters with funnel and flask, vacuum pump, drying oven set at 103 degrees C, tweezers, and desiccator for total suspended solids analysis
· Bench sheets for data collection and calculations
· Rain Gauge

Require Learner Participation

The class of 20 will be divided up into 4 groups of 5. Each group will have at least two boys and two girls in the group.
Schedule field trip to investigate the sample site
The instructor will be required to collect a sample from the Pago River, test for pH immediately and bring enough sample to class for alkalinity and total suspended solids testing on each school day.
Learning how to use the test equipment will occur the week prior to the actual data collection. The data collection and testing will be conducted each school day during one full month.
Since the instructor is doing on-site pH analysis the students will take this information and enter it into their group’s spreadsheet.
Each group will be responsible for measuring the rain gauge located at the school, testing the rain water for pH and entering the data into their spreadsheet. Each group will also be responsible for testing for alkalinity and TSS on a daily basis (M-F) and entering the data into their spread sheet.
Rainfall data will also be taken off a web database and entered into the spreadsheet.
Graphing data after collection, for ease of understanding trends and relationships
Discussion on data relationships, environmental principles and chemistry presented by group
Quiz on basic chemistry & physical and environmental issues learned and observed
Spreadsheets with graphs will be due the week after the last date of sample / data collection
On-line searches for articles relating to the Pago River watershed will be conducted as the availability of the school computer room allows. Students are encouraged to utilize other computers which they have access to after normal school hours to complete their assignment.
The 4 – 6 page report will be due two weeks after the last day of data collection.


Evaluate & Revise
Student Performance
· Student understanding of the technical concepts presented will be evaluated by quiz scores. Weight = 40% of grade
· Each group’s spreadsheet and associated graph(s) will be graded based on: the accuracy of data entry, organization of data, and how well their data is presented in graph form. Weight = 30% of grade
· Each group presentation will be evaluated on how well they explain their findings based on data collection and their graph(s). Weight = 10% of grade
· Each group will be evaluated for their competency in performing the required water testing and measurement. Weight = 20% of grade

Media Effectiveness
· Did the students have difficulty setting up a data spreadsheet appropriate to the data being collected?
· Were the students able to work in groups and share responsibility for data entry, spreadsheet and graph development?
· Were there difficulties finding enough information on-line to write the student report?
· Did the students have adequate access to computers with the proper software in and out of school?

Teacher Evaluation
· Was the activity age and skill level appropriate for the majority?
· Should the activity be broken up into smaller learning units?
· Could the lesson be taught in a manner that could improve student curiosity and enthusiasm?