The program strives to spark a life-long interest in science and a foundation for a career in a STEM discipline by exposing students to how scientists think and by giving students direct career-related experiences.
COVID/Virtual Programming
HRWC is pivoting our hands-on programming to virtual engagement. HRWC STEM education team are happy to work with teachers one-on-one to develop learning materials for your classrooms. We have curated videos that show how water quality parameters are tested for, as well as posters and student pages related to each parameter. Teachers can inquire with Jason Frenzel to receive teacher pages.
Stream Health Videos
Here are 9 videos covering different water quality testing parameters. Each has supporting educational materials and student question pages. Note that different parameters are better suited for different ages and class topics.
How Can We Help the River Bugs Lesson
In this lesson, students compare data from 2 creeks in the Huron River watershed, analyzing 3 water quality parameters, turbidity (sediment in the water), dissolved oxygen and conductivity. Using a graphic organizer, students make a claim, cite evidence, and explain their reasoning about each parameter and ultimately the parameter’s impact on the health of the creek as well as the bugs in the creek. You can download the student question page here. A key may be obtained for the student page by contacting Jason Frenzel. Thanks to Sr. Rebecca Mierendorf, St. Francis Academy and Ann Novak, Greenhills School for their contributions to this project.
90 Minute Watershed Health Interactive Lesson
This is an on-line 90 minute lesson in which students analyze data to compare the relative health of 2 creeksheds in SE Michigan. Individual or small group based, this lesson can be taught with up to a full class in 8 virtual breakout rooms.
Students are introduced to characteristics of a healthy local Michigan watershed. Groups (or individuals) create virtual diagrams to represent biotic and non-biotic relationships within the watershed. Then they compare the relative health of 2 creeksheds, using descriptions, data and graphs related to 1 of 8 water quality parameters. Using this information, students then make a claim about the creeksheds, cite their evidence and explain their reasoning. They build a slide to represent their claim. Students do a virtual “gallery walk” to view other’s slides. Students then modify their watershed models to reflect new understandings.
Teacher instructions, presentation slides, and student development slides available for download and use here.