BPA - Kids in the Creek - Water Quality Test Teams

Water Quality Test Teams

Instruction: (based on class of 30 students)

Split class into 6 groups or teams of five students each. There will be six team captains or directors. Next split your groups so that 3 teams will be doing the 'chemical testing' while the other 3 groups are doing the 'Macroinvertebrate test'.

Each team doing the chemical testing will have one HACH kit (may be purchased by HACH Co 1 800 669 3050). This kit will have the materials to test the water for pH, Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature. As the teams complete the testing and collect all their data then have them switch and do the Macroinvertebrate testing.

1. Director - the director reads the instructions aloud to the team and is responsible for making sure the test is correctly completed and the results are recorded.
2. Recorder - the recorder is responsible for recording the results (data) from each of the test. The " Record of Testing " must be fully completed.
3. Technician - the technician is responsible for performing the tests and communicating the results to the "recorder". The technician will also be responsible for placing the empty chemical packets into the zip lock bag and the liquid chemical waste into the container.
4. Materials Specialist - the materials specialist is responsible for the contents of the Hach kit. The materials specialist will take out the required chemicals and equipment and give them to the technician and then return them to the kit for safe storage.

On the next page you will find Aquatic Data Tables that can be used to help predict stream quality. These can be used for discussion both before and after you complete your water quality tests.

Materials: HACH chemical Kit, safety glasses, rubber gloves, disposal jar or plastic bag (to discard chemical after testing), white ice cube tray, white basins, magnifying glass charts, data sheets, pens/pencils, clipboards.

Be sure to refer to the Presenter's notes before doing the presentation. There are some safety precautions you will want to take.