Contemplate the utilization of water resources
Educators Teach Water Science Inquiry with Hands-On Approach
A new educational initiative is empowering students to delve into the fascinating world of water science by designing inquiry-based activities that emphasize data gathering, evidence use, and evidence critique. These activities are intended for use in the water investigation inquiry, focusing on topics such as water usage, the drinking water treatment process, and water quality.
The inquiry plan for this water investigation is available in a slideshow named "Smart Water: Inquiry plan and student reflection". This slideshow, along with accompanying PDFs, serves as valuable resources for student reflection during the inquiry. Each PDF provides information about a specific location's water sources and supply, with separate resources available for Hamilton, Waipa, and Waitomo in the Waikato region, and another PDF focusing on water features in the Waikato region. All downloadable resources are published by the Referencing Hub media.
One key aspect of the inquiry is gathering and interpreting data. Students are encouraged to collect real data, such as measuring water acidity (pH), salinity (conductivity), or turbidity using simple tools or homemade meters. By testing local water samples for chemical properties and tracking the efficiency of different filtration materials, students develop accurate data collection and observation skills.
Another crucial component is using evidence. Students use their collected data to explain phenomena such as how salts affect water quality or how filtration improves water purity. They can compare their results to those from local water treatment plants or published data, strengthening their evidence-based understanding of water treatment processes.
Critique evidence is another essential skill that students are guided to develop. This includes discussing experimental errors, evaluating the accuracy of homemade measurement tools, and comparing class findings to global datasets and scientific standards. Activities can include group discussions or presentations critiquing the data quality, interpretation differences, or methodological challenges encountered.
To deepen learning about the drinking water treatment process, educators can incorporate process investigations using resource materials or videos that explain stages such as sedimentation, filtration, chlorination, and distribution. Simulated experiments and demonstrations, like constructing solar stills to understand distillation or observing filtration performance, also help students relate scientific concepts to practical applications.
Critical evaluation of treatment effectiveness is another important aspect. By comparing various filtration methods, analyzing the use of chemicals like chlorine, and understanding biosolids in wastewater management, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the drinking water treatment process.
By structuring lessons that combine measurement, research, practical experimentation, and data analysis, educators help students develop the science capabilities of gathering, using, and critiquing evidence through authentic water science contexts. This method also integrates scientific literacy with real-world environmental challenges related to water quality and management.
[1] Water Science for Schools: A Guide for Educators (2020). [2] Teaching About Water: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators (2018). [3] Water Treatment Operator Training Manual (2019). [4] Wastewater Treatment: Principles and Design (2021). [5] Environmental Science: Principles and Applications (2020).
- Incorporating science and health-and-wellness education, educators utilize real-world water samples to help students collect and interpret data, critically evaluate evidence, and improve their understanding of the drinking water treatment process and water quality.
- By employing resources such as "Smart Water: Inquiry plan and student reflection" and the Water Treatment Operator Training Manual, students learn to analyze chemical properties like pH and salinity to enhance their health and wellness through better knowledge of water and its treatment processes.
