Level I does not include a field sampling component, but provides classes with a hands-on, inquiry experience that explores the habitat variables tested in later levels. In addition, these variables are investigated using current data available at this web site.

Level II describes the development of a watershed map and water sampling plan. It provides a format for conducting a reconnaissance of the area, and a stream survey. Classes are expected to make one reconnaissance field trip and at least one sampling field trip during this unit. The sampling plan should include the forming of alliances with community and regional decision makers.

Level III focuses on improving the quality of data gathered for a class's water quality monitoring program. By this level, classes have conducted their initial sampling and, along with with their other regional partners, identified a condition that warrants further study in their water shed. Students will work with their collaborating partners to refine their study and techniques, in order to elevate the reliability of their data.

The water quality monitoring activities include physical, biological, and chemical parameters.

Chemistry: Water Chemistry

Temperature (a physical parameter but highly influential in water chemistry)

Salinity

pH

Dissolved Oxygen

Physics: Stream Flow

Biology: Biological Monitoring

Macroinvertebrates

Aquatic Vegetation

Intertidal Organisms

Chlorophyll/Plankton

Fecal coliform

Earth Science: Turbidity

LEVEL I

LEVEL I ACTIVITY WHEEL: Shows all the activites in the Level I curriculum.

ACTIVITY 3.1: CHEMISTRY -- WHAT'S IN THE WATER?

Part A: Solubility
Summary: Students observe the variation in solubility of oxygen in water of differing temperature and salinity. They investigate how oxygen is supplied to estuarine waters through abiotic and biotic methods.

Student Self-Assessment for Activity 3.1.A

Part B: Relationships
Summary: Students predict the relationship of DO, salinity, temperature, and tides (depth). They analyze existing data and compare their results to their predictions.

Directions for accessing the NERRS System-wide Monitoring Data.

ACTIVITY 7: SHARE THE DATA

Part A: Local Issues
Summary: Students create a report that analyzes the process used and the data gathered. They will relate that data to problems that exist in their local watershed. The report will be submitted to the network and their watershed coordinator for review.

Part B: Conclusions and Questions
Summary: Students share what they have learned with their community by creating a presentation for a selected audience.

LEVEL II

LEVEL II ACTIVITY WHEEL: Shows all the activites in the Level II curriculum.

ACTIVITY 1: UNDERSTANDING YOUR WATERSHED

Part A: What Is The Question?
Summary: Students will discover the relationship between upstream influences in their watershed and their watershed's estuary. Students and teachers will brainstorm the additional information they need to know and how they can obtain that information in order to begin to answer their watershed questions.

Part B: Mapping Your Watershed
Summary: Students will contact local planners, Soil Conservation Service personnel and Coastal Zone Management personnel to obtain land use and water resource information and historical water quality monitoring information. Students will obtain USGS topographic maps needed to create a watershed map. Students will create a map of the local area which identifies watersheds and access points to those watersheds. They will be able to create mylar overlays of their local map showing soil type, plant communities, and other land use categories. They will develop and complete a data table that summarizes the information discovered. The data will be submitted to the network. After all regional schools have submitted data, students may download a compilation of the regional data. They will then analyze and compare the findings.

ACTIVITY 5 BIOLOGY -- WHAT LIVES HERE?

Part A: Biological Monitoring
Summary: Students will survey the biota of the water course. They will conduct sampling for macroinvertebrates, chlorophyll a or appropriate indicator species following the design of their approved water sampling plan.

Part B: Biological Monitoring
Summary: Students will identify the species collected. They will analyze the samples for species diversity and population characteristics. They will enter their data in the biological monitoring tables and submit it to the network.

LEVEL III

LEVEL III ACTIVITY WHEEL: Shows all the activites in the Level III curriculum.

ACTIVITY 2: ACCURACY COUNTS

Part A: Expanding the Sampling Plan
Summary: Students identify what changes are needed in the sampling plan to assure the level of credibility and completeness required to support the need for the suggested changes. They identify what additional resources they may need to implement this new sampling plan.

Part B: Writing A QAPP
Summary: Students learn about the different components of a Quality Assurance Project Plan. They work in groups to write the proposed expansions to the sampling plan. They identify any resources from the community they need prior to implementing the plan.

ACTIVITY 4: BMPs

Part A: Action Plans
Summary: Students prepare action plans using Best Management Practices and other pollution control measures that support solutions to their watershed problem. Students submit their action plans to their watershed coordinator, NERRS manager, and CZM manager for review.

Part B: Remediation
Summary: The class presents an action plan to a community planner.