WATER POLLUTION HOT-SPOTS Grade Level: 6-8, although it could be adapted for other grade levels Subject: Environmental Science Time Allotment: Six to seven 45-minute class periods Pollution has a profound effect of water worldwide. In this lesson, students will learn about pollution and different types of contaminants found in water. They will then research some of the world's most polluted water hot-spots and devise plans for pollution prevention. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Students will be able to Relate a method of pollution prevention through words and art Name water contaminants Describe different causes of water pollution Examine the causes of pollution in the world's most prominent pollution hot-spots Design a plan for preventing water pollution Assess the quality and effectiveness of water pollution prevention plans MATERIALS Internet access Dictionaries Science journal Poster board Construction paper Computer paper Crayons Markers Other art supplies HANDOUTS Water Contamination Chart Water Pollution Hot-Spot Investigation Pollution Hot-Spot Notes BOOKMARK THE FOLLOWING SITES U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Ground Water & Drinking Water http://www.epa.gov/safewater/index.html Use the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water site to learn what federal and local governments are doing to ensure safe drinking water and protect ground water. BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4083331.stm View a world map and read brief summaries of some of the places around the world that are hardest hit by pollution. University of Michigan: Water Pollution and Society http://www.umich.edu/~gs265/society/waterpollution.htm Read a comprehensive website on water pollution and society, complete with photographs, diagrams of contamination and a wastewater treatment plant, and charts of the world's pollution. United States Geological Survey http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/wuww.html Learn about wastewater treatment from the United States Geological Survey. Environment Canada http://www.ec.gc.ca/water/en/manage/poll/e_poll.htm Find out what Canada is doing to solve the water pollution problem. Shawnee County Conservation District, Topeka, Kansas http://www.cjnetworks.com/~sccdistrict/resubwt.htm Read about preventing urban water pollution. ACADEMIC STANDARDS http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/browse.asp Science, Standard 2, Level III Understands Earth's composition and structure. Science, Standard 5, Level III Understands the structure and function of cells and organisms. Science, Standard 6, Level III Understands relationships among organisms and their physical environment. Geography, Standard 8, Level III Understands the characteristics of ecosystems on Earth's surface. Geography, Standard 14, Level III Understands how human actions modify the physical environment. Geography, Standard 18, Level III Understands global development and environmental issues.

© 2006 Educational Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved.