Planning your spring units? Most kids (and their teachers) love to get into the “field” to do science. Many schools have access to streams and to outreach programs in which state departments of natural resources (DNR) work with schools to survey the biodiversity and abiotic conditions of local streams. The DNRs also have the necessary equipment. The activities provided here can stand alone or act as a complement to activities done with the assistance of DNR personnel.

Biological Indicators of Watershed Health
This page contain numerous photographs of stream organisms and links to many resources pertaining to freshwater and marine ecology.

Estuaries.gov: Stream Table Activity
Estuaries are the transition zones between streams and larger bodies of water. This is an elegantly simple demonstration modeling the role of estuaries in the biosphere and hydrosphere.

Ecology of a Stream: A Tale of Balance
An overview of the ecology of a stream, including information pertaining to temperature and turbidity, energy balance, water balance, and the food chain.

Rivers and Streams
This module is part of a larger freshwater ecology site. Students can use the module independently, or teachers can use it for whole class instructions. Photos are excellent and additional links are provided.

Nab the Aquatic Invader
Major arrests need to be made in the fight against invading aquatic plants and animals. Students are private investigators on the case and help to “book the bad guys.”

Ohio Stream Quality Monitoring Project
Interested in authentic ecology experiences for you and your students? This page provides an overview of Ohio’s program. A contact link is provided for advice on how to start a similar program in your area.

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