Students evaluate the potential problems associated with underground storage tanks. They research the potential hazards from various subsurface pollutants and simulate a superfund site cleanup.

Learners work in groups to design a filtration process that will separate clean water from polluted water. They organize data in tables or graphs and present their findings to the class. Students identify further safety protocols that...

Learners investigate the potential toxicity of water samples using California blackworms to test water quality. They observe the worms' behaviors in different water samples and determine which sample has the highest toxicity. At the...

Students assess the difference between "use by" and "best before" date markings on food items bought at a grocery store or some other establishment. They determine whether or not stored food is safe to eat and practice developing...

Students identify several sources of contaminants to groundwater. They discuss the movement of possible contaminants through that groundwater from outside sources. They describe how environmental engineers analyze contaminants to...

Pupils measure the pH of soil samples from a hypothetical site to locate a contaminant spill and will predict the direction of groundwater flow using mathematical modeling. They use the engineering design process to develop alternatives...

Students analyze water samples to see the contaminants and then use the Internet to find the sources of the contamination.  For this investigative water lesson students analyze water and work together to solve the mystery of...

High schoolers are able to record their research observations and reflections by keeping a research journal. They are able to explore a specific region of the world affected by arsenic contamination by using various research skills and...

Students explore septic system failures and contamination of groundwater. The complete a worksheet to explore the basic parts of a septic system. In a lab situation, students simulate a septic system failure. They explore coliform...

Young scholars study viruses and bacteria that can contaminate vegetables. They examine how vegetables can be preserved and what farmers might do to keep vegetables safe. They examine with pickling as a way to keep vegetable preserved...

Students comprehend the basics of soil testing. They relate the use of grids and plotting to soil samples. Students comprehend how contaminants flow through soil. They discuss factors such as: slope of the pan, time, and the amount of...

Students watch a "Waste Management" Power Point as well as a "Love Canal" PowerPoint (a link is provided for the second presentation). Students write the chemical formula for each chemical and convert the contamination to grams using...

Students better understand what a concentration of one part per million means through activities. Students discuss "Maximum Contaminant Level" of a toxic in the water. They measure the classroom to find out how many cubic centimeter...

Fifth graders discuss ways that humans pollute our natural water supply. They observe a video about water pollution. Students identify eight different ways water is contaminated. They investigate an oil spill by conducting a hands-on...

Students illustrate how water is stored and the water cycle. They discover how underground water can become contaminated.

Students visualize contaminate particles as they are released into the air and observe their ultimate settling. They watch a demonstration about lead particles and discuss the various ways that lead particles can be introduced into the air.

Learners pour, label, streak, seal and store plates in an incubator. They identify areas in their environment that provide a rich fauna of microbes once they have been swabbed. They identify areas of contamination through a laboratory...

Students devlop a model, which they illustrate a water table and allow for the discussion of common terms and illustrate what those terms mean. They comprehend that a flow rates, removal of contaminants, and the amount of water stored...

Ninth graders study the effects of soil and rocks on filtering groundwater.  In this groundwater lesson students complete a lab activity that includes sources of contamination. 

Students construct a water table elevation contour map and consider the direction and rate of groundwater flow to predict the actual runoff pattern. They discuss their findings and evaluate a hypothetical landfill site based on data...

From their sweat to the water vapor in their breath, astronauts recycle every possible drop of water while in space. After watching a short video describing the different ways materials are recycled and reused in space...

Students explore one method for the detection of lead in soil. The detection of the presence of lead in soil can be determined sensitively using inexpensive swabs. Pupils collect several spoonfuls of soil from various parts of their...

Students will identify cause and effect relationships in issues relating to Agriculture and the environment.Ask students to describe what farmers do. Then ask students to define the word "environmentalist." Ask students if they have...

Students explore the causes of water pollution. In this environmental lesson, students conduct experiments with natural filtration systems.