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Handbook of Engaged Learning Projects

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

Project Summary

Subject/Content Area:

Ecology and Data Collection

Target Audience:

This project is designed for upper intermediate grade students. Access to a river or stream is critical to the success of this project. Students need access to the Internet and data collection software.

Project Goals:

When presented with an environmental problem on a local river, students will use their knowledge of river ecology to develop an action plan.

Learner Outcomes:

The students will be able to

• Use river monitoring equipment to collect river monitoring data, including
  biological, physical,and chemical data.
• Design a project that aids the class in accompolishing one of four goals:
  • Raising smallmouth bass
  • Creating a stream habitat in an aquarium
  • Protect and improve a part of the local biodiversity.
  • Develop more community awareness for the need of biodiversity
• Students will complete a daily journal of their learning, and progress
  with their project.
• You will create a presentation that explains the purpose of your project
  and what you accomplished.

Alignment with National Standards:

This project demonstrates some elements of The National Science Education Standards:

• Teaching Standards A, B, D, and E
• Assessment Standards A, B, and C
• Contents Standards 5-8 A, C, and F
• Program Standards B, C, and D

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards demonstrated in this project are:

• Standard #1- Problem-Solving
• Standard #4- Connections
• Standard #10- Statistics
• Standard #13- Measurement.

Assessment of Students:

Student's performance is continually assessed throughout the project. Much of this assessment is in the form of informal teacher observation during data collecting, observation, and measurement activities. The teacher joins groups and questions students, or sits in on their discussions. Formal assessment for projects is assisted by rubrics. Mastery of scientific equipment is assessed by student demonstation of correct method.

Index of Student Pages:

An index of all the student pages and a timeline will assist the teacher in planning the unit.