Long Term Water Monitoring
Recommended for grades 9–16.
Introduction
Water sample collection and analysis and the long-term study of a local system or environmental problem can be interesting components of a chemistry course. You will experience both in this experiment.
Objectives
In the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Temperature Probe, a Conductivity Probe, and a pH Sensor as you measure the temperature, conductivity, and pH of a water sample provided by your instructor. If a Turbidity Sensor and a Dissolved Oxygen Probe are available, you will also measure the turbidity of and the concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water sample. You may or may not choose to use all five of the sensors as you subsequently research your chosen question.
After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about water issues before you choose and investigate a researchable question that involves longterm data collection.
Sensors and Equipment
This investigation requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for the Preliminary Activity
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the Preliminary Activity does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
See all standards correlations for Investigating Chemistry through Inquiry »
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.