Lesson Outlines

Geologic

Sediment Deposition

a)Sorting:

-mixed soil (silt, mud, sand, gravel, and pebbles) are introduced at the top of the stream and allowed to be transported for "x" amount of time and/or at various flow rates.

-students observe and note the locations of soil components and deduce variations in water flow speed

b) Erosion/Weathering:

- water base, unfired clay is laid across the bottom of the stream and erosion channels are created and observed

c)Mud slide/Landslide/Earthquake

-berms are built to simulate hillsides and are saturated with flowing water

-shaking the entire waterfall/stream will induce liquefaction and initiate movement of the soil (slides and slumps)

Chemical

Point Source Pollution

a) develop a healthy stream, complete with flora and fauna

b) teacher adds a pollutant (toxic, pH alteration or other contaminant) at an undisclosed location

c) students determine the nature of the pollutant and its point of introduction by noting the change in flora and fauna as well as by chemical analysis.

Biological

Benthic Invertebrate Study

a) field trip to collect/harvest bottom dwelling life forms

b) place live specimens into "streams"

c) observe behavior, metamorphosis, and emergence