Watershed Stewardship

Sixth graders discover a need based on their local watershed where a change may be needed. Students then inventoried water movement and possible movement of pollutants and began thinking about ways to mitigate the polluting materials.

Cohort Members: Anne Lukens and Laurne Vitella

Students: 6th graders at Francis C. Hammond Middle School

Essential Questions: 

  • How can we be responsible stewards of our local watershed, and also the Chesapeake Bay?
  • What can be done to mitigate our school and communities contributions to the pollution of the Potomac River?

Standards:

Science 6.1 The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and conducting investigations in which:

  • observations are made involving fine discrimination between similar objects and organisms;
  • precise and approximate measurements are recorded;
  • scale models are used to estimate distance, volume, and quantity;
  • hypotheses are stated in ways that identify the independent and dependent variables;
  • a method is devised to test the validity of predictions and inferences;
  • one variable is manipulated over time, using many repeated trials;
  • data are collected, recorded, analyzed, and reported using metric measurements and tools;
  • data are analyzed and communicated through graphical representation;
  • models and simulations are designed and used to illustrate and explain phenomena and systems; and
  • current applications are used to reinforce science concepts.

Science 6.7 The student will investigate and understand the natural processes and human interactions that affect watershed systems. Key concepts include:

  • the health of ecosystems and the abiotic factors of a watershed;
  • the location and structure of Virginia’s regional watershed systems;
  • divides, tributaries, river systems, and river and stream processes;
  • wetlands;
  • estuaries;
  • major conservation, health, and safety issues associated with watersheds; and
  • water monitoring and analysis using field equipment including hand-held technology.