Stream Profiles, An Environmental Investigation.

This environmental unit is one of a series designed for integration within an existing curriculum. The unit is self-contained and requires minimal teacher preparation. The philosophy of the units is based on an experience-oriented process that encourages self-paced independent student work. In this unit, students construct a stream profile based on information collected at a portion of a local stream. Teams of three, working ten feet apart, are responsible for recording data on temperature, elevation, type of stream bottom, and plants and animals in the section. The data are then combined with the rest of the class and the profile drawn. Students are prompted to note patterns described by the stream profile and to relate that information to other similar streams. For teachers, the unit includes directions for building the equipment needed, ways of organizing a field trip to the stream area, methods of collecting and recording data, and questions for discussion. The activities can be used with students in grades 4-9. (MA)