Lesson Plan Format

H2ORUS

Title: What's That Smell????

Grade Level: Eighth

Subjects: Science, Math, Social Studies

Learner Outcomes: The student will:

work cooperatively to construct a water filtration system.
test the effectiveness of the filtration system constructed.
make observations and draw conclusions concerning water that has been filtered.
write a formal lab report.
identify through research possible water pollutants.
design/construct/test additional water filtering system.

Time Frame: 3 50-minute periods

Materials: "What's That Smell" lab procedure write-up

Per group of 4 students
5 250ml beakers
400ml "polluted water" (To water add dirt, garlic powder, and grass clippings in proportions that suit you. If you want to add distillation as another step in the lab add green fod coloring.)
5g alum
stirring rod
paper towels
clear plastic soft drink bottle (20 oz.)
5cm by 5cm piece of cheesecloth
rubber band
ring stand
ring
small pebbles
coarse sand
fine sand
tap water
funnel
filter paper
aquarium charcoal
goggles
apron

Technology Tools/Courseware: Computer with Office software and Internet connection

Teacher Notes:

Assign students to small groups (3-4 students).
Review how to insert a table into a Word document if necessary.
Review lab rules and expectations.
After students have completed the lab, answered assigned questions, and completed the assigned Internet researchallow them time to design a filter of their own.
Students are responsible for bringing in their own materials for the construction and testing of their system.

Procedures:

Assign students to lab groups.
Provide each student with What's That Smell ???? lab procedure.
Preview the lab with students as appropriate.
Provide students the opportunity to create their initial lab report, materials list, and observation table using the computer. You may wish to do this prior to the lab day.
Allow students time to perform the lab activity, complete the questions, and finish their Internet research.

Modifications: Create lab groupings based on identified strengths and weaknesses.

Enrichment activities:
For more advanced students you may want to assign the lab design prior to performing the lab activity.
You may wish to have students research acid mine drainage as a problem faced by this state.
Viewing specific water samples under the microscope would be an additional activity that you may want to use.
Another possibility would be to assign groups the task of creating a pictorial essay of the various sources and types of water pollution.

Evaluation/Assessment: Collect and evaluate the lab reports, questions, and summary of the assigned reading (rubric). Evaluate the lab design, procedure, and results.

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives (IGOs) and other standards:

Science
Nature of Science 8.1, 8.2, 8.55, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9
Scientific Attitudes/Habits of Mind 8.10, 8.11, 8.12, 8.13, 8.16, 8.19, 8.20
Laboratory Investigations/Hands -On Learning 8.21, 8.22, 8.23
Science Themes and Subject Matter 8.25, 8.27
Science, Technology, and Society 8.78
Computer Technology 8.84, 8.85, 8.86, 8.98

References:
Reply to ASK-AN EARTH SCIENTIST
www.soest.hawaii.edu/GG/ASK/waterpol3.html

Created by:
Kimberly D. Fowler
Darialouise K. Collins
Diane Stilwell
South Middle School, Morgantown, WV

Other Lessons with this Unit:

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Science: Rolling, Rolling, Rolling Down the River
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Math: Follow the River
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