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Design with DEEDS
Framework
DEEDS (Discover, Examine, Engineer, Do, Share) is a hands-on learning framework that helps scholars become real-world problem solvers and changemakers.
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Challenge Question
What challenge question will engage learners in addressing a specific community challenge and inspire them to develop actionable solutions?
Learning Partners
What type of organizations or individuals could you partner with to support the learning process? (Tip: Type in a location like "New York City" to tailor the results to a specific region)
Client
What local organizations or individuals are potential clients for the solution that learners are building? (Tip: Type in a location like "New York City" to tailor the results to a specific region)
Performance Tasks
What kind of activities do you want to ensure learners do?
Assessment Tools
What assessment tools will you use to assess student growth?
Next
What challenge question will engage learners in addressing a specific community challenge and inspire them to develop actionable solutions?

(1) How can we design a community awareness campaign to educate our neighbors about the importance of maintaining healthy watersheds and its impact on local water quality?
(2) How can we create a school-based initiative that involves testing local stream water and sharing the results with community leaders to advocate for improved environmental practices?
(3) How can we develop a plan to engage local businesses in reducing pollutants that affect our watershed, and present our findings and recommendations to the city council?
(4) How can we use data from our stream water testing to propose actionable solutions that address specific pollution issues affecting our local watershed?

    Design for Mastery Kit
    NEW
7th Grade  Lesson 45 minutes

"Stream Dream: Watershed Wonders Uncovered!"

Karen M
MS-ESS2-4
ESS.2.C
MS-ESS3-3
MS-LS2-1
MS-LS2-3
+ 6 more
1-pager

The Challenge

Healthy watersheds are crucial for maintaining clean water sources, supporting biodiversity, and preventing erosion and flooding. However, human activities such as pollution and land development pose significant threats to watershed health, leading to degraded water quality and disrupted ecosystems. How can we use data from our stream water testing to propose actionable solutions that address specific pollution issues affecting our local watershed?
Challenge Question
How can we design a community awareness campaign to educate our neighbors about the importance of maintaining healthy watersheds and its impact on local water quality?
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-ESS2-4 - Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth's systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] ESS.2.C - The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-ESS3-3 - Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
  • [Missouri] MS-LS2-1 - Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
  • [Missouri] MS-LS2-3 - Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
  • [Missouri] MS-ESS1-1 - Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.
  • [Missouri] MS-ESS1-3 - Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
  • [Missouri] MS-ESS1-4 - Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata for how the geologic time scale is used to organize Earth's 4.6-billion-year-old history.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

The Learning Journey

Phase Learning Outcome
Discover
I can identify the importance of healthy watersheds and their impact on local water quality through a hands-on stream water testing activity that sparks my curiosity and commitment to environmental stewardship.
Examine
I can analyze data from pH testing, turbidity measurements, and dissolved oxygen levels to understand the factors affecting our local watershed and its ecosystems.
Engineer
I can develop a creative and practical solution to reduce pollution in our watershed, using my knowledge of macro invertebrates and water quality data to design an impactful project.
Do
I can implement my solution by conducting real-world tests and collecting data to evaluate its effectiveness in improving water quality and ecosystem health.
Share
I can share my project and learning journey with the community through an engaging presentation, highlighting my personal growth and the positive impact of my solution on local water quality.
Learning Journey
Project Activities
Activities
Discover Stage: Watershed Exploration Walk
Activity

Students embark on a nature walk along a local stream to observe the environment and identify signs of pollution, fostering curiosity and empathy for watershed health

Introduction to Watersheds
Activity

Gather students in a circle and introduce the concept of watersheds and their importance in maintaining local water quality. Discuss the challenge question and how this lesson will contribute to community awareness.

Discover: Local Watershed Exploration
Activity

Students visit a nearby stream or watershed to observe water quality and ecosystem health, recording observations and initial questions.

Discover: Introduction to Watersheds
Activity

Engage students with a brief video and discussion on the importance of healthy watersheds, focusing on local impacts

Discover Stage: Stream Exploration
Activity

Students visit a local stream to observe water flow, plants, and wildlife, noting signs of pollution and human impact

Discover Stage: Stream Visit Exploration
Activity

Students visit a local stream to observe and record its current state, focusing on water clarity, surrounding vegetation, and wildlife

Discover: Site Visit Preparation
Activity

Guide students in preparing observation tools and safety guidelines for a local stream visit

Hands-On Stream Simulation
Activity

Using a sandbox or a large container with soil, create a mini-watershed. Pour water over the model to illustrate how water flows through a watershed and discuss how pollutants can affect it.

Group Discussion on Local Environment
Activity

Divide students into small groups to discuss what they know about local streams and any visible signs of pollution they have observed. Encourage them to share personal stories or experiences.

Discover: Reflective Circle
Activity

Facilitate a circle where students share initial thoughts and personal connections regarding watersheds

Conducting Water Tests
Activity

Demonstrate how to perform pH and turbidity tests with the provided kits. Allow students to practice these tests using water samples from a local stream or a controlled environment.

Data Analysis and Reflection
Activity

Guide students in recording their test results, analyzing the data, and reflecting on how water quality might be impacting local ecosystems. Discuss initial thoughts on how to raise community awareness.

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Plan
Activities
Introduction to Watersheds
Activity
Hands-On Stream Simulation
Activity
Group Discussion on Local Environment
Activity
Conducting Water Tests
Activity
Data Analysis and Reflection
Activity
Preparation 1. Gather materials for watershed models (sand, rocks, containers, water)
2. Arrange transportation and permissions for field trip to local stream
3. Prepare water testing kits (pH strips, turbidity tubes, thermometers)
4. Provide art supplies and digital tools for creating visual presentations
5. Coordinate with local environmental organizations for campaign support
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