Monitoring Fecal Colliform in an Imparied Waterway
This lesson was provided by Andy Jackson, teacher and science supervisor for Harrisonburg Public Schools.
Overview- how this lesson fits into the overall science curriculum
6th grade science- Every student at Thomas Harrison Middle School spends a day in the field working with outdoor professionals from several different agencies learning about the science these professionals do in their jobs.
Life science Every student in Thomas Harrison Middle School spends a day on the South Fork Shenandoah River in McGaheysville, where the City of Harrsionburg owns a 35-acre site once used for generating hydroelectricity, and now planned for use as a water supply intake. It is covered in riparian woodlands that has been relatively undisturbed for the last 50 years. Students use GPS to record locations of key structures and trees at the site.
Earth science - Students monitor water flow through the school's storm water retention pond. Stormwater flows into this pond through two pipes. Students monitor flow rate and rainfall rate over the year and make observations as rain gardens are installed and mowing practices modified.
Environmental Science Students use GPS to document locations of water samples collected along Blacks Run our city's impaired stream. We have collected 10 months of fecal colliform data at 11 locations along the stream in cooperation with the DEQ, Eastern Mennonite University, and Eastern Mennonite High School. Students take this data and analyze it for trends in fecal populations using GIS.
SOL's Adressed
Environmental Science
1. Science is a process.
a) Science is a method of learning more about the world.
b) Science constantly changes the way we understand the world.
2. Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes.
a) Energy cannot be created; it must come from somewhere.
b) As energy flows through systems, at each step more of it becomes unusable.
3.The Earth itself is one interconnected system.
a) Natural systems change over time and space.
b) Biogeochemical systems vary in ability to recover from disturbances.
4. Humans alter natural systems.
a) Humans have had an impact on the environment for millions of years.
b) Technology and population growth have enabled humans to increase both the rate and scale of their impact on the environment.
5. Environmental problems have a cultural and social context.
6. Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems.
a) A suitable combination of conservation and development is required.
b) Management of common resources is essential.
Materials needed
10 Garmin eTrex Legend GPS units
Tackle box for GPS units
Cables, PCs with ArcView GIS, aerial photo of HHS School site pre and post construction
Harrisonburg city aerial photos and city GIS data
Coliscan equipment
Description of activity
Students will use GPS and GIS to clearly and accurately display the data regarding concentration of fecal coliform in Blacks Run.
They will be able to manipulate layers in response to questions and respond accurately to these questions.
Sample assessments
Example questions are:
When has the stream had the highest concentration of fecal coliform?
How often is Purcell park's section of Blacks Run above the limit for recreational use?
What location along Blacks Run has the highest concentration of fecal coliform?
Extensions
Use the data collected on campus related to rain fall and flowrate to evaluate the impact alternative stormwater management and mowing practices have.