Secondary Curriculum: Investigating Streams & Water Quality

This stream ecology curriculum is intended for grades 6-12 and draws connections between aquatic life, water quality, and the way we live in our watersheds. Understanding their connection to the intricate web of life empowers students to join community efforts to protect water and habitat where they live.

All materials linked below are in PDF format. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the files.

Investigating Streams & Water Quality

Teacher's Manual

• Lesson plans
• Supplies
• Instructor Notes
• Extensions
• Standards Alignment

If you don't want to download the entire Teacher's Manual, click here for some frequently requested components.

Teacher's Manual Appendices

• Appendix A: Questions and guide for viewing The Living Watershed DVD
  
• Appendix B: Hints from teachers who have taught the curriculum before

Student Handbook

• Chapter I: The Watershed
• Chapter II: Living in the Watershed
• Chapter III: Improving Life in the Watershed

Student Workbook

• Activity I: Macroinvertebrates
• Activity II-A: Design an Experiment
• Activity II-B: Storm Water Pollution Bioassay
• Activity III: Design a New Neighborhood

BMI Guide

• Guide to stream Benthic Macro Invertebrates (BMIs)

Additional Curriculum Resources

• Standards Alignment for Grades 6 - 12
• Worksheet Activity III: Planning Grid
• Food Web Diagram
  
• Sacramento County Creeks Map