Sunday, November 3, 2019

Project Based Learning

Are you familiar with Project-based learning?  It’s a great approach to integrating lessons.  The idea is to have a large idea and loads of activities.  One popular project is Watershed Project Based Learning.  I’ve used Biology is Outdoors and Inside-out to plan watershed projects. 

Where to start?  Start with a Cub Scout or Girl Scout patch.  Try Potomac Highlands Watershed eSchool. (Click on the door to access the activities.)

For years, my students did a variety of watershed activities and projects: plant trees, install a green roof, build raised beds, bioswales, and rain gardens.  Here’s what I learned.  Let the kids lead.  Try simple activities first: Color Me a Watershed, Crumpled Paper Watershed, or Build a Watershed.  
Trouts Unlimited has an excellent education guide for monitoring a riparian buffer along a creek or stream.  The guide has a macroinvertebrate identification key; clean streams have a wide variety of insect larvae.  The greater the number and variety of larvae,  the cleaner the stream.  The macroinvertebrate key helps to identify different insect larvae.  

I like to test water quality.  These test strips are quick, easy, and accurate.  This kit is pricier but has a bit more science.  If you plan to do stream tests, bring an armored thermometer. Attach the thermometer to your wrist with a rubber band so it doesn’t fall in the stream.  Bring pH strips to test the pH of the water. In fact, the basic equipment includes a bucket, net, thermometer, ice cubes trays, forceps or tweezers, and a hand lens or magnifying glass.  This guide explains how to catch macroinvertebrates and sort them in a tray.  White ice cube trays are perfect for sorting.

Don’t be overwhelmed.  Look at some of these ideas and decide if a big project like Watersheds might be a way to incorporate loads of science.

Here is another blog with information.




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