Question: What amount of water per day passes a certain point on a river? What percent oxygen dissolved in the water?

Objectives: This project will help to satisfy the following Learner Outcomes for Algebra/Geometry I:

1. Goal 3A: Use the common measurement units for length, area, volume, capacity, and weight in the English system and the metric system.
2. Goal 3A: Convert measurement units from one form to another and carry out calculations that involve various measurement units.
3. Goal 3A: Read Measurement taken with common measuring tools.
4. Goal 3A: Use tools to measure quantities and solve problems that involve these measurements.
5. Goal 7A: Use charts to determine approximate answers.

The EHS Graduate goals that are practiced in this project are:

1. Goal 1: Communication writing articulately and effectively
2. Goal 2: Problem solving investigating and using the scientific method
3. Goal 2: Problem solving computing and calculating
4. Goal 5: Awareness of personal impact on the environment
5. Goal 6: Personal growth social interaction

Procedure:

Amount of Water:

1. *Mark off 1 meter horizontal distances on the bridge rail starting at the edge of the river bank.
2. *Measure depth of river to determine river profile.
3. *Measure stream velocity by timing how long it takes for something to float a certain distance along the stream. (Do this at least 3 times and determine an average.)
4. Make a graph to show the river depth.
5. Calculate the cross sectional area of the river.
6. Determine the volume of water that passes the point on the river daily.

Dissolved Oxygen test:

1. *Follow the directions in the dissolved oxygen test kit to determine the mg/L of oxygen.
2. *Measure the temperature of the water. (Do this at least twice and determine the average.)
3. Use the chart to find the percent of dissolved oxygen.

Written report:

Write a lab report that is divided into the following sections:

• Purpose (An explanation of what this project was to determine.)
• Procedure (A written description of what you did in the field and classroom to determine your results.)
• Data (The data collected in the field.)
• Calculations (Show all steps that you use to get an answer.)
• Results (Answer the questions posed at the beginning in paragraph form.

* These items will be done on the field trip.

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