Introduction

Water sample collection and analysis and the long-term study of a local system or environmental problem can be important field-study components of a biology course. You will experience both in this investigation.

Objectives

In this Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a Dissolved Oxygen Probe while measuring the concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) in a water sample provided by your teacher. You will also gain experience using a Temperature Probe, a Conductivity Probe, and a pH Sensor. You may or may not choose to use all four 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 long-term data collection. Some topics to consider in your reference search are:

  • water
  • water resources
  • water quality
  • water pollution
  • eutrophication
  • dissolved oxygen (DO)
  • pH
  • total dissolved solids