Raritan River 1
Ashley Hein
Dawn Kirchner
Amy Potts
Jessica Sapunar-Jursich
Frieda Smith
Raritan River
Raritan River 1
Science Content
Water quality effects river
ecosystems
Animal species are
indicators of ecosystem
health and pollution
River Content
History of Raritan River
Macro-invertebrates are
the species for the Raritan
River environment that can
be used to determine the
health of the Raritan River
Science Tools
Maps of New Jersey
Dip Net
Magnifiers
Documentation
Observation Journal
Lesson Plan
Instructional Objectives
(1 of 2)
Students will understand:
• How water quality affects aquatic
environments
• How animal species can indicate
health of ecosystem
• What function a map can serve
Lesson Plan
Instructional Objectives
(2 of 2)
Students will understand:
• How to use a dip net and
magnifier
• How to identify indicator
species
• Usage of Raritan River
• How to use an observation
sheet
Lesson Plan
Schedule (1 of 2)
• Introduction to Ecosystem Habitats &
Water Quality (30 min.)
– Logistics & Safety Briefing (5 min.)
– PowerPoint Intro (10 min.)
– Water Quality Activity (15 min.)
Lesson Plan
Schedule (2 of 2)
• Transition & Walk to River Dock
(15 min.)
• Indicator Activity & Journaling
(30 min.)
• Summary (15 min.)
Water Quality Activity
• Small Scale Habitats
– “Clean” Tank: soil, rocks, live animals
– “Dirty” Tank: litter, no live organisms
FUNdamental
• Healthy & Unhealthy
Drinking Water
Vinegar
Muddy Water
Chocolate Water
Standard
• Concepts of Turbidity
Enhanced
–
–
–
–
Indicator Activity
• Scrubbers, Rocks & Nets
FUNdamental
• Dip Nets & Rock Collection
Standard
• Turbidity
Enhanced
Aquatic River Animal
Scud – Freshwater Shrimp
Observation Journal
• Date and time
• Weather conditions
• Describe outside conditions
• Describe the water
• Identify aquatic animals
• Tally number of animals
on field guide
• Water quality conclusion
Water Quality Activity
Modifications
Cognitive – Water Quality
Barriers: Difficulty with verbal & written
communication
• Small Scale Habitats
– Label stickers
– Communication board
FUNdamental
Water Quality Activity
Modifications
Cognitive - Indicator
Barriers: Difficulty with verbal & written
communication
• Scrubbers, Rocks & Nets
– Bring samples of water to
tables
– Communication boards
FUNdamental
Water Quality Activity
Modifications
Low Vision – Water Quality
Barriers: May only see light, darkness,
shapes/figures; visual field cuts
• Small Scale Habitats
– Projected magnification
– Oral description
• Healthy & Unhealthy
– Oral description
Standard
Water Quality Activity
Modifications
Low Vision – Indicator
Barriers: May only see light, darkness,
shapes/figures; visual field cuts
• Scrubbers, Rocks & Nets
• Dip Nets & Rock Collection
– Magnification
– Working in pairs
Standard
Water Quality Activity
Modifications
Age Related – Water Quality
Barriers: Impairments with hearing and
dexterity with slight mobility
• Small Scale Habitats
• Healthy & Unhealthy
• Concepts of Turbidity
– Offering headsets
– Advanced vocabulary
Enhanced
Water Quality Activity
Modifications
Age Related – Indicator
Barriers: Impairments with hearing and
dexterity with slight mobility
• Scrubbers, Rocks & Nets
• Dip Nets & Rock Collection
• Turbidity
– Offering headsets
– Pool cue strap
– Allow extra transition time
Enhanced