Students take a field trip to investigate some of the phenomena that they have been studying. They inventory debris along a shoreline or riverbank and study local water movement patterns to develop ideas about where the debris might have come from.
In this 3-4 day investigation, students go outdoors to explore their local water body, using sampling techniques to discover the plants and animals.
Students plan and carry out a survey of human impacts to a local aquatic environment. They analyze their findings and prepare to share them with the community.
Over 4–5 days, students prepare for and complete a field trip to apply skills from the sea otter mystery. Activities may include ecosystem mapping, a stream walk, or a coast survey. Back in class, they analyze and share their findings.
Students learn about water pollution and wastewater treatment through a visit from a local “expert,” and make posters or presentations to share and clarify their understanding.