The goal of our Youth Water Quality Education Program is to develop an understanding of water quality, watersheds, and stormwater runoff, and their relationship to each other. The five individual lessons align with the Kansas Science Standards. The curriculum targets students in grades 6-12 and involves a Project Based Learning approach. The engaging lessons are led by Friends of the Kaw staff, with all supplies and equipment provided. The program is supported through environmental education grants and contracts, with school/district participation being dependent on available funding.
Lesson 1: Introduction to Watersheds – During this lesson students learn about how much usable water exists on the planet and how important it is to protect this natural resource. Students will learn about the Kansas River watershed as well as their own local watersheds and the role each plays in providing water for all who depend upon it.
Lessons 2: Stormwater Runoff – Students will gain an understanding of what a watershed is by observing the slope of the school grounds and how water drains on and off the property. They will learn the differences between pervious and impervious surfaces and the impacts each has on stormwater runoff. Using a water frame they will calculate the approximate amount of runoff that could accumulate after 1” of rainfall on their school campus.
Lesson 3: Field Investigation – Students will use HACH test kits to conduct water quality tests at a nearby water site. This could be a river, lake, creek, stream or pond. Students work in small teams where they rotate through three stations conducting water quality tests and collecting data. The stations will involve chemical and non-chemical tests as well as identifying macroinvertebrates and the value of each on the environment. Click on the links provided for additional information pertaining to the individual tests performed: non-chemical tests (air and water temperature, turbidity, conductivity and pH); chemical tests (phosphates, nitrates, coliform bacteria); dissolved oxygen; and seining for and identifying macro invertebrates.
Lesson 4: Data Analysis – Data collected from each of the water quality tests conducted during the Field Investigation lesson will be analyzed to determine the overall condition of that water site. Sources of possible pollutants are discussed and evaluated as well as solutions for improvement. Best Management Practices are discussed and encouraged in order to help improve the water quality in our watershed.
Lesson 5: Project Based Learning – Teachers and students select a Best Management Practice (BMP) or other environmental project to implement during the school year. This is all about improving the quality of the water at the site where they obtained their testing results. The projects vary between schools and can be tailored to fit specific results or school requirements.
For more information about our in-person water quality education program, please email Joey Shondell, Youth Outreach & Programming Coordinator, at joey.shondell@kansasriver.org.
YWQ Education Virtual Classroom:
Friends of the Kaw is currently developing an online/remote curriculum for schools where we cannot teach the program in person. The password protected link below provides access to those schools who will participate in that program.
Teacher, Student & Volunteer Materials (password required)
If you are a 6th – 12th grade science teacher and are interested in learning more about our upcoming online/remote program, please contact Kim Bellemere, Director of Programming and Outreach, at kim.bellemere@kansasriver.org. Please note that the program will only be provided for schools within the Kansas River watershed.
Paddle safely! Use the links below to quickly access information that impacts river conditions.
