What’s in the water?
Students observe and list abiotic factors in specific ecosystems. Students will observe and list abiotic factors in an aquatic system and measure four of them (pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and temperature).
Purpose: To observe and list abiotic factors in specific ecosystems.
Background:
In this activity students will observe and list abiotic factors in an aquatic system and measure four of them (pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and temperature).
Physio-chemical indicators of water quality include dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, dissolved solids, and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus).
Materials:
pH test kits
Dissolved oxygen test kits
Turbidity tubes
Thermometers
Copies of the student worksheet
Copies of the chemical sampling instruction sheets
Instruction Sheets
Water Quality Impact posters
Documents: Water chemistry
Presentations: Water chemistry
Activity:
- Set up a station for each factor (pH, DO, turbidity, and temperature).
At each station, provide:
• Sampling instruction sheets (if possible, laminate these!)
• The appropriate testing kit
• Samples in bottles if you are not near the stream - Divide the students into four groups. Explain to the students that each group will start at a different station, and rotate so they will measure all the factors.
- Have them follow the instructions for measuring each factor found on the sampling instruction sheets.
- Have the students record their results on the student worksheet.