ESTUARY-NET CURRICULUM SAMPLES
LEVEL THREE

ACTIVITY 2 - ACCURACY COUNTS

PART A: EXPANDING THE SAMPLING PLAN

Activity Objective: Students learn the importance of accuracy when collecting data.

Estuary-Net Outcome Connection:

Students understand water quality and the variables that contribute to water quality.

Students understand the importance of gathering long-term accurate data; learn how to display the data; and learn methods of analyzing the data to determine relationships.

Students are able to use the scientific process to test a hypothesis and will understand how science and the process of science contributes to decision-making.
Time Needed: 2 class periods.

Materials: Chart pad, markers.

Procedure:
    1. Teacher and students review their sampling plan in light of their decision to assure that their identification of the cause of a local water quality problem is accurate. They list the types of data they collected. They then list any new data they need in order to validate their findings.
    2. For each type of data they list, the class brainstorms methods to assure the accuracy and dependability of the information collected.
    3. They select those methods they feel are accomplishable given their restrictions. They then identify what additional resources they may need to get in order to implement this new sampling plan. In some instances they may need to write a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) which may later be submitted to EPA for approval.
 

PART B: WRITING A QAPP

Activity Objective: Students will learn about the different components of a Quality Assurance Project Plan.

Estuary-Net Outcome Connection:

Students understand water quality and the variables that contribute to water quality.
Students understand the importance of gathering long-term accurate data; learn how to display the data; and learn methods of analyzing the data to determine relationships.
Students are able to use the scientific process to test a hypothesis, and understand how science and the process of science contributes to decision making.
Students understand how to use telecommunications and the benefit of telecommunications networking to collaborate in problem-solving.
Time Needed: 3 class periods.

Materials: Computer, modem, software.

Procedure:
    1. Students will work in groups to write the proposed expansions to their sampling plan including efforts towards creating a Quality Assurance Project Plan.
    2. In particular, students should address the following elements (See Appendix II-Quality Assurance/Quality Control.)

      3.  
    Project Organization:
        Problem Definition/Background
        Project Description
        Sampling Process Design
        Sampling Process Procedures
        Sample Handling & Custody
        Analytical Methods
        Quality Control Requirements
        Record Storage
        Assessments & Response Actions
        Reports to Management
        Data Review, Validation & Verification Requirements
        Reconciliation with Data Quality Objectives
    1. When all sections of the plan are completed, have the class review the plan to identify any resources from the community needed prior to implementing the plan.
    2. E-mail the final plan including the class's strategy and time line for plan implementation to the listserve.
Continue on to the sample of LEVEL III Activity 4 - BMP's
 
Return to LEVEL II Activity 3.3 - What Lives Here or Curriculum Activities.

  Please return to the Estuary-Net Home Page if you wish to request more information about the Estuary-Net Project.


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