Robbyn Amy
April 18, 2013
Field Trip Lesson
Grade/Subject: Grade 8 Science Unit: Fresh and Salt Water Systems
Classroom: 404
Lesson Duration: 2 class x 60 min
Period: 5 and 6
OUTCOMES FROM ALBERTA PROGRAM OF STUDIES
General Learning Outcomes:
GLO 1: Describe the distribution and characteristics of water in local and global environments, and identify the
significance of water supply and quality to the needs of humans and other living things
GLO 2: Investigate and interpret linkages among landforms, water and climate
GLO 3: Analyze factors affecting productivity and species distribution in marine and freshwater environments
GLO 4: Analyze human impacts on aquatic systems; and identify the roles of science and technology in addressing
related questions, problems and issues
Specific Learning Outcomes:
1.3 identify major factors used in determining if water is potable, and describe and demonstrate tests of water quality
(e.g., investigate and describe the physical characteristics of a sample of water, such as clarity, salinity and hardness;
investigate biological tests)
1.4 describe, in general terms, methods for generating fresh water from salt water, based on evaporation, distillation
and reverse osmosis
2.1 describe the processes of erosion and deposition resulting from wave action and water flow, by:
- identifying dissolved solids and sediment loads, and identifying sources and endpoints for these materials
- describing how waves and tides are generated and how they interact with shorelines
3.1 investigate life forms found in fresh water and salt water, and identify and interpret examples of adaptations to
these environments (e.g., describe and interpret examples of fish and invertebrate species found in a local freshwater
environment)
3.2 analyze factors that contribute to the development of adaptations in species found in saltwater and freshwater
environments
3.4 analyze relationships between water quality and living things, and infer the quality of water based on the diversity
of life supported by it
4.1 Analyze human water uses, and identify the nature and scope of impacts resulting from different uses (e.g., identify
pollutants in ground water and surface water systems resulting from domestic and industrial use; analyze the effects
of agriculture and forestry practices on stream flow and water quality)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will:
 Describe tests for water quality
 Describe methods for making salt water to fresh water
 Describe erosion and deposition and their causes
 Describe the diversity of organisms found in freshwater environments
 Recognize the adaptations that these organisms have for living in the environment
 Explain the relationship between water quality and living things
 Describe how humans use water and the impacts of this use
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Robbyn Amy
April 18, 2013
ASSESSMENTS
Key Questions:
How can you test water for quality?
How might we convert the polluted water to drinkable
water?
How might erosion or deposition occur in the
environment, which we are studying?
What organisms would be found in this fresh water
environment?
What adaptations might these organisms have?
How might the water quality of this source relate the
diversity of organisms found in the environment?
How might human impacts influence the quality of the
water?
Observations:
Question and Answer
Thumbs
Lab
Written/Performance Assessments:
Mini Book
LEARNING RESOURCES CONSULTED
Resource #1: Science in Action 8
MATERIALS
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Mini Book
Milk Jugs
Pencils
PROCEDURE
Introduction:
Advance Organizer/Agenda: SMARTBoard with meet in the classroom and be given expectations of walking together
to Lake Stafford. They will be told to walk on the sidewalks, stay out of parking lots and off the road unless we are
crossing. They will be told to stay back from the water once we get to the lake.
Transition to Body: Students will get out their minibooks, coats and pencils to make our way over to Lake Stafford.
Body:
Activity #1: Testing Water Samples
Students will be walking to Lake Stafford. When they get there, they will be collecting samples of water to test the
quality. When they return to school, students will test the water sample for color, odor, pH, temperature, nitrate,
phosphorus, dissolved oxygen and overall water quality.
Activity #2: Observations
Students will also be taking notes of the organisms in the area and the adaptations that these organisms may have to
live in this environment. They will also be taking note of the human impacts of the environment. Students will be
using their mini books to record all of their observations.
Closure:
Closure Activity: Students will walk back to the school and return back to the classroom.
Transition to Next Lesson: Students will be reminded that they will be testing the water quality of the samples and
completing their mini books.
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