Science, Investigate, Collaborate, Apply, Analyze

7th grade Life Science, Probes, Polycom, Iowa Online Databases, Google Docs, Cell Phones, Gabcast

In 7th grade Life Science students are studying the health of water areas in Iowa. Students will go out into the local stream area and test water samples for PH, Turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen, and temperature to determine whether the water is sufficient to maintain life. Students will take pictures of the life they find in the stream. Students will analyze the information and explain what steps are needed to improve the water sources and share this out with the community. Using distance conferencing to connect with Iowa Water experts to collect additional ideas and share their findings.

Procedure:
1) Prepare student teams and brainstorm a template/rubric for analyzing water quality
2) Student teams will go to a pond or stream and use the water quality probes (PH, Turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen, and temperature) and wireless handheld to collect data at several areas in the waterway. Student team member B will need to take notes of their observation
3) Student teams will collect images of life that they observe in the waterway using their cell phones and audio blog ( in Gabcast) their observations
4) Student teams will take the data back to the classroom to analyze and compare to what is acceptable for life collaborating in Google Docs (Spreadsheet and Word Processing) using the templates/rubric they have created in class prior to this activity. They will research this using the Iowa Online Databases and Iowa Water.
5) Student teams will collaboratively prepare a presentation in Google Docs to share with their peers.
6) Student teams will prepare questions that they would ask a water expert using Google Docs
7) Using the Polycom to connect to Iowa Water experts in the county, students will share their findings and ask their questions.
8) Using new found information from connecting to the experts and their peers, student teams will revise their presentation which will be published from Google Docs.

Essential Skills: L: Uses writing as a tool for learning, Incorporates technology as a tool to enhance writing, Produces a coherent message, Participates appropriately in one-on-one situations and group settings, M: Understand, interpret, determine, and apply measures of center and graphical representations of data S: Identifies questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations, Select and use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze and interpret data, Incorporate mathematics in scientific inquiry, Use evidence to develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models, Think critically and logically to make the relationships between evidence and explanations, Communicate and defend procedures and explanations, Understand and demonstrate knowledge of the social and personal implications of environmental issues E: Communicate and work productively with others, considering different perspectives, and cultural views to increase the quality of work, Adapts and adjusts to various roles and responsibilities in an environment of change, Demonstrate leadership, integrity, ethical behavior, and social responsibility in all environments T: Collaborate with peers, experts, and others using interactive technology, Plan strategies utilizing digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information, Use critical thinking skills to conduct research, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate technological tools and resources.