Downloads for this exercise:
Google Earth Peru Creek Download (You will need to download Google Earth for this to work: http://earth.google.com/)
Peru Creek Chemistry Points
Engage
1) Read “Acid Mine Drainage Oral Introduction” out loud, then have students read about systems analysis (on pages 653-654 in BSCS Biology: A Human Approach) and do the exercise on systems analysis. Refer to BSCS Biology Teacher Support materials for an overview of this exercise and for details about carrying out this exercise. Hand out Systems Analysis worksheet. (worksheet includes; space to list 3 steps to a limited analysis; a question regarding the next step scientists take when they have limited the analysis; space to complete the sentences, “Systems analyses are used to _________”; and, “Systems analysis is ________ used when _______. Examples include ____ and _______.”) Have students fill out the worksheet individually during the reading assignment then they will discuss their answers with their partner.
2) Direct the students during systems analysis reading assignment that they will have time to discuss the reading materials after the reading time is over.
3) Have students list 10 biotic and abiotic components in the Peru Creek ecological system. Remind them think about which components are likely to positively or negatively affect the fish populations.
4) Students explore the Peru Creek data packets. Have the students review the list of reading materials. Tell them to split the packet in half and have each student read their half and take notes. Have the students decide how to split up the task of reviewing the materials. As they discuss splitting the packet to narrow the reading list or eliminate unneeded material. This is an important part of systems analysis and a critical-thinking skill. Allow time for students to read the materials individually.
5) After students have time to read the materials have them share what they have learned. Have them exchange information and questions they have formulated regarding the reading. Add the questions and pertinent information to their journals. Have the students rate themselves and their partner on how well they taught each about the information in the data sheets.
6) Have students compare their ideas about what is happening in Peru Creek and review their initial ideas about this topic (from the intro). Make notes regarding current understandings.
Explore
List of materials:
- Introduction: Costs of Acid Mine Drainage
- Center of the American West “A fact of Consequence.” P. 1-6 http://www.centerwest.org/cawabandonedmines.pdf
- “Accounting Standard Requires Reporting of Future Environmental Liabilities”
- Maps of Peru Creek (Google Earth, ArcGIS or paper versions)
- Mine Cleanup Efforts Stymied (Denver Post 9/9/1999 P. 20)
- Trout info sheet (needed)
- Daphnia (from BSCS resource guide)
- Gammarus (from BSCS resource guide)
- Pesticides (from BSCS resource guide)
- Acid Rain (from BSCS resource guide)
- Algae and Cyanobacteria (from BSCS resource guide)
- Fish catch information (needed)
- Table of Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature, Conductance and pH (data from the USGS National Hydrology Dataset)
“Cleaning Up Abandoned hard Rock Mines”, Center of the American West, www.centerwest.org
“Accounting Standard Requires Reporting of Future Environmental Liabilities”, Boulder Daily Camera, April 17, 2006