PBLs: Make Mine Watersheds

I ran across a watershed resource under development from Nest Generation Science Standards in conjunction with Common Core Standards.  I know, I was ready to give it a miss, too.  But the exercise combines some math with Earth Science.  Ignore the source and focus on the good content.
Watersheds are typical of PBLs or Project Based Learning.  My Biology class began a Watershed project I'm integrating along with Ecology into I the curriculum.  I brought an Enviroscape model to class to introduce the concept of a watershed.  (Contact the local conservation district or extension office.  Ask if they have an education specialist trained to deliver a lesson with an .Enviroscape.  Chances are good they'll know someone with a model.)  Subsequently, I've been adding material to the Biology content.  Right now, the class is learning how to test water with Lamotte Water Quality Test kits.  (While you're calling the conservation district, ask them if they have water test kits available, too.  Trouts Unlimited or Audubon might know of an agency with test kits.  My chief skill is working a phone.) Even without many resources, you can go to a stream and do an assessment using a thermometer, tennis ball, meter stick, and ice cube trays.  Start with a visit to Cacapon Institute's virtual stream to learn how to indentify benthic macroinvertebrates. Save our Streams' assessment sheet is useful in the field out at the creek.  This Stream Ecology article explains how to takes several measurements at the stream.  Isn't this cool?  Your kids can do a sophisticated stream assay with very simple equipment.  Below are a few resources related to Watersheds if you're feeling ambitious.


Project Wet Color Me a Watershed has a little math.

Watershed Education Lesson Plans

Crumple Me A Watershed is unusually detailed.

4 H2O Ambassador Program is more my speed.  This 4-H guide is more cryptic and may not have enough to detailed information for a newbie.  I loved the idea in the guide for an Edible Watershed and just did a quick search to locate a version with more description.