Module 1: Lesson 1
Scientists use a variety of parameters to determine if a body of water is healthy, how the water may be changing over time and the reasons for the change. This provides resource managers with valuable information to help them decide what actions to take when issues arise. Throughout a classroom-based game, students will learn about different water quality parameters and how each impacts water in a different way. Then students will interpret and analyze data from FIU scientists on water quality and its changes over time.
Lesson Plan
Essential Questions: What water quality parameters affect personal and environmental health, and why is it important to continuously monitor them when making policy decisions? Do these parameters change depending on season, climate chance and succession?
Objectives: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Analyze how water quality in surrounding bays, rivers and lakes affects personal health
- Explain the general distribution of life in estuary systems as a function of chemistry, geography, light, depth, salinity and temperature
- Describe changes in Biscayne Bay that result from seasonal variations, climate change and succession
- Discuss the need for the monitoring of water quality parameters in bays, rivers and lakes when making policy decisions
- Explain how scientific knowledge and reasoning provide an empirically based perspective to inform society's decision-making
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