JASON Science Adventures: Aquatic Field Study

The 11 student activities found in JASON Science Adventure: Aquatic Field Study focus on a set of science topics that are fundamentally important for the scientists who are trying to understand and solve problems related to water quality in aquatic sites all over the world. This JASON Science Adventure offers middle-grade students an innovative way to use actual data, video, student activities, and hands-on work with Texas Instruments graphing calculators and sensors to gain a deeper understanding of important science concepts.

JASON Science Adventure: Aquatic Field Study (11 lessons that can be completed in 2 to 4 weeks) includes:

• Teacher Edition with student materials
• Student Assessment
• CD and Video/DVD with all related multimedia components including interviews with scientists and researchers and footage from JASON Expeditions

Topics explored:

• Weather Conditions
  Students understand why it is important to observe and record weather conditions regularly when examining water quality of an aquatic site.
• Water Temperature
  Students collect temperature data to understand how site conditions affect water temperature and how temperature may affect the aquatic site.
• Current Speed
  Students measure how fast the water at the aquatic site flows. They understand how physical conditions affect current speed and how current speeds affects water quality.
• Water Clarity
  Students determine the clarity of water of an aquatic site. They examine the physical factors that influence water clarity and how water clarity affects waster quality.
• Sediment
  Students collect sediments and examine their types, size, and color to understand the relationship between sediment type and the ecosystem at an aquatic site. Students also understand what the collected sediment tells them about its origin.
• Density
  Students understand how measuring density can indicate the presence of particles in the water, and how density is related to water quality.
• Salinity
  Students measure the salinity of water from various sources. They examine how salinity is related to water quality.
• pH
  Students examine how physical conditions may affect the pH of water. The also investigate how pH or changes in pH may affect water quality and the aquatic habitat.
• Dissolved Oxygen
  Students explore the conditions affecting dissolved oxygen at an aquatic site. They determine how the amount of oxygen in the water affects water quality and the aquatic habitat.
• Macroinvertebrates
  Students learn how to collect and classify macroinvertebrates at their local aquatic site. They examine the relationship between the collected macroinvertebrates and water quality.
• Water Quality
  Students understand physical, chemical, and biological factors that affect water quality. They understand the relationship between these factors and how they determine the conditions of an aquatic habitat.

In each activity, students begin their learning by engaging with real research-related examples that involve the application of science concepts to examine water quality. In addition, for some of these topics, students use interactive, computer-based tools that help them gain in-depth understanding of water quality concepts.

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