Describes the constructivist approach and how it can be implemented in a science activity on calcium carbonate, hard water, and the polyphenols extracted from boiling tea bags. (DKM)

Advocates an approach to teaching environmentally related studies based on constructivism. Presents an activity that makes use of data on chemicals in the water supply, and discusses obtaining and using data sets in the classroom. (LZ)

Presents a Project WET water education activity. Through a game of limbo, students experience the effort involved in meeting drinking water quality standards. Students investigate the relationship between water quality and water treatment and the ratio of one to a million. (LZ)

Presents a Project WET water education activity. By attempting to remove contaminants from "wastewater," students gain an appreciation for what is involved in providing clean drinking water. Students describe the process for treating wastewater and become familiar with nontoxic household cleaning methods. (LZ)

Presents a Project WET water education activity. Through a game of tag that simulates the effects of environmental stressors on macroinvertebrate populations, students relate the concept of biodiversity to the health of an ecosystem. (LZ)

Describes a science activity appropriate for middle and high school students investigating the temperature, pH, and conductivity of a man-made lake. Uses an inquiry-based interdisciplinary approach. Collects and analyzes data to determine whether there is any significant difference among the factors considering the very little variance in lake…

An integrated unit that combines the areas of science, social studies, and art is described. Water and land environment, the community, and folk arts are reflected in the unit. Activities include measuring water and air parameters, netting and seining, observation of a stream and the land around it, writing and picture journals, and media…

Presents three experiments that provide examples of how plants modify their surroundings and create microenvironments. Examples demonstrate (1) how types of ground cover influence water quality; (2) how plants can create a thermal microenvironment; and (3) how plants can serve as barriers to wind. (MDH)