Water: Chemical and Physical

Using biological monitoring to find problems in a watershed.

Finding and tallying what plants and animals live in a stream is called biological monitoring. Biological monitoring is like being a detective. If the living things found do not match what we’d expect to find in a stream, river or lake, there could be a problem. It’s a clue that we need to collect more data and information to find out where pollution is coming from and what to do about it.

Watch a news clip

Watch a 3-minute video that shows biologists collecting insects from streams in Minnesota. Then, investigate two streams using the activity sheet, just like these biologists would do at their job. Answer the writing prompts about what you notice, wonder and think.

Produced by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

In this court, the rights of water are protected! Students serve as jury and decide the outcome of a Minnesota water pollution court case.

Get the lesson plan:

Produced by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Water around the world is in serious trouble! Your actions can become part of the solution. In the story of The Water Princess, explore the use of water resources through the lens of another culture, where water is scarce, and share ideas to help change the world, one drop at a time. Learn how H2O for Life and student service-learning experiences can change attitudes and behaviors, and change lives for students in a developing country. Save water, save life!

Get the lesson plan:

Listen to The Water Princess book.

Produced by H2O for Life.