In the challenge to integrate courses at Strongsville High School, Fen lewis (Chemistry) and Marie Schmiederer (Algebra II/Trignometry) undertook a project that used watershed education as a means to integrate math analysis, chemistry and technology in an environmental context. A study on the water quality of the Cuyahoga River was chosen. The river is interesting historically, and water quality data is readily available. The on-going efforts to improve water quality of the river give students a real world example of interaction of science and community in our neighborhood.
During semester I, activities involved making connections between chemisty and algebra. Areas of concentration included studies in slope, equation of a line and statistical analysis. Semester II focused on the class project, "The Cuyahoga River". Students started with getting information on the Cuyahoga River by studying and practicing the nine water quality tests in the classroom and at the nearby Baker Creek. After practice with the methods, and a solid understanding of the kind of data to look for, the students were ready for the real thing. What's more educational (and fun) than to cap the class project with a trip to the river?
Armed with nets and test kits, students waded into the river with delight to find macroinvertebrates and tested river water to find its overall water quality. For some of the students, it was the first time that they experienced first hand the application of science in the real world (other than maniacal formulas on chalkboards in stuffy classrooms) and, as they splashed around and wondered at the things they found, that science is fun.
Join us in our adventure by linking to the following subjects: