INSPIRATION
Third grade students were concerned about the negative impact that pollution has on the Escondido Creek Watershed. They began investigating how the presence of rainbow trout can be an indicator of a healthy watershed. After embarking on Field Work to the Elfin Forest, and testing the water quality of the Escondido Creek, students began to make the connection that the dearth of trout in our local watershed is due to uninhabitable conditions, which are the direct result of environmental pollution.
To further examine the impact of water quality on trout’s ability to survive, students raised trout in the classroom, and monitored the water quality daily. They tracked the health and mortality of the trout as they progressed through each stage of the trout life cycle, from egg, to alevin, to fry. As students embraced the role of scientist-in-the-classroom, they became emotionally invested in caring for these fragile living creatures, and were compelled by the fact that their very survival hinges on the health of their aquatic habitat. When students released their fry into Lake Miramar, they were stunned to observe deceased adult trout scattered along the shore.
As students made the connection that the health of the local watershed depends on the actions of humans, they were inspired to discover a new purpose: they could use the products of their own learning to compel others to take action. Their Better World Day project involved doing fieldwork to track the specific actions of people in their neighborhood that help or harm the watershed, and sharing awareness with the local community of what they can do to make a positive impact
Mastery of Knowledge and Skills
Students developed an understanding of the local Escondido Creek watershed. They also mastered water testing (pH and ammonia) as they raised trout in the classroom, facilitated by the Escondido Creek Conservancy.
The students researched the components of a healthy watershed online and read complex text regarding the role of a scientist in the real world.
Students used technology to compile Keynote and Clips presentations about the life cycle of a rainbow trout and the Escondido Creek watershed.