LESSON 9.13 Inquiry: What is the water quality of a local waterway?
LEARNING INTENTION By the end of this lesson you should be able to: • research local catchment water quality • make a report and presentation.
Background Water is very important and should be managed carefully everywhere. Water quality affects our health. When it rains, water can carry rubbish and chemicals into rivers. Your team will study the water quality of a local catchment or waterway and make a report and presentation. Check different places along the river or creek to see why water quality changes. To do this, you need both primary and secondary research. Primary research means looking at the water yourself, taking photos and collecting data. Secondary research means using published materials like maps or articles from other groups. Examples of primary research methods include:
1. collecting and testing water samples from a body of water 2. documenting evidence of litter and water contamination 3. observing water bugs, which provide evidence of a healthy body of water.
FIGURE1 Primary research means collecting water samples, noting litter and watching water bugs.
Before you begin Check the Inquiry rubric in the digital documents to help you with this task and self-assess at the end. Inquiry steps Step 1: Questioning and researching using geographical methods Research the main features of your local river catchment area. • What sort of data and information will you need to study water quality at your fieldwork sites? • How will you collect and record this information? Where are the best spots to get data? You can decide once you know which waterway you’re visiting. • How will you record your information? Think about using GPS, videos, cameras or mobile devices.
332 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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