Students can assess the health of the watershed by collecting water quality data.

Collecting Data in the Watershed

"Water quality describes the condition of the water, including chemical, physical, and biological characteristics, usually with respect to its suitability for a particular purpose such as drinking or swimming."

- From NOAA's Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Whether students are exploring a stream, river, estuary, or bay, they can collect water quality data to better understand environmental characteristics and human impacts in aquatic and marine environments. Not only can data tell us whether a body of water is suitable for drinking or recreation, but the it can also tell us where the water came from, and the degree to which it is suitable habitat for wildlife.

NERRS Handout: Water Quality Parameters

Students of all ages can participate in investigations of water quality. The tools used to measure water quality can range from a low tech secchi disk or pool thermometer, to the many high tech probes available for use with Vernier LabQuest units. The Streamwebs data portal provides data sheets, tutorials, and opportunities to upload and share data. Download the Streamwebs Field and Classroom Watershed Investigation curriculum to guide your student water quality field experience.

 

Streamwebs Lesson

Water Quality Parameters

Temperature

Perhaps the water quality parameter most familiar to students, temperature of water and air can be measured, recorded, graphed and analyzed. Alcohol tube thermometers help younger and beginning data collectors visualize temperature changes. Choose a thermometer encased in a sheath that will protect it from breakage when used in the field, and tie a string to one end so that the thermometer can be lowered into a body of water. In addition, used a thermometer with both Faherenheit and Celcius scale markings to help students see relationships between the two scales.

Digital thermometers can be easier, quicker, and potentially more accurate. Oregon Coast educators can borrow Venier equipment and other field supplies no cost for up to two weeks from any of the Oregon Coast STEM Hub resource trailers. 

Salmon Watch Videos
Several beautiful new short Salmon Watch films were released in 2021, including one where a young student talks about and demonstrates measuring water quality in an Oregon stream. Watch them all

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife also have videos to take the place of salmon-focused watershed field trips which had been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the water quality video, a presenter demonstrates how to measure physical and chemical characteristics of an inland stream, including temperature.

Compare to NOAA data
Encourage students to compare their water quality data with real data collected from NOAA buoys using the NVS Data Explorer.

Salinity

Is this a freshwater, estuarine, or marine? Measuring salinity is key. This is a great parameter to measure in coastal areas to help students understand tidal influences and salinity changes in estuarine systems.

A simple swing-arm aquarium hydrometer can be used to help younger or beginning data collectors to visualize how salinity changes the property of water. The tool measures water density as a proxy for salinity; more saline water has a greater density, which causes the plastic swing arm to float higher on the scale. These tools are sturdy for field environments, although not very accurate.

For a more accurate reading of salinity, use a Vernier or other electronic probe. Oregon Coast educators can borrow Venier equipment and other field supplies no cost for up to two weeks from any of the Oregon Coast STEM Hub resource trailers. 

Salmon Watch Videos
in 2020, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife began creating videos to take the place of salmon-focused watershed field trips which had been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the water quality video, a presenter demonstrates how to measure physical and chemical characteristics of an inland stream, including temperature.

Compare to NOAA data
Encourage students to compare their water quality data with real data collected from NOAA buoys using the NVS Data Explorer.

MORE PHYSICAL Water Quality Parameters


Streamwebs


Students can collect their own water quality data in aquatic and marine environments. Visit the Streamwebs website for water quality tutorials, data sheets, and watershed investigation curriculum. Students can also upload their data into the platform and visual their results and the findings of other students throughout the state.

Equipment

Videos

  • Visit the Streamwebs website for water quality tutorials.

  • Several beautiful new short Salmon Watch films were released in 2021, including one where a young student talks about and demonstrates measuring water quality in an Oregon stream. Watch them all

  • Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife also have videos to take the place of salmon-focused watershed field trips which had been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the water quality video, a presenter demonstrates how to measure physical and chemical characteristics of an inland stream.

Compare to NOAA data
Encourage students to compare their water quality data with real data collected from NOAA buoys using the NVS Data Explorer.

Aquatic Macroinvertebrates

Calculate the health of a water body by sampling the aquatic macroinvertebrates that live there. The relative abundance of pollution intolerant species indicate a healthy watershed. Suitable sampling sites for this activity can be found in watersheds throughout the country, in both coastal and inland streams.

  • Lesson: Macroinvertebrate Activity - A detailed summary from the Oregon Coast Education Program describes how to conduct a macroinvertebrate study.

Equipment

Videos

Several beautiful new short Salmon Watch films were released in 2021, including one where a teacher talks about and demonstrates measuring macrointervebrates in an Oregon stream. Watch them all

Suitable Habitat

Water quality parameters can determine whether a body of water is suitable for wildlife, like salmon. The Streamwebs Field and Classroom Watershed Investigation lesson describes water quality parameter ranges that are suitable for salmon, including dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and turbidity (p. 32 - 35).

Similarly, data collected on the Streamwebs Macroinvertebrate data sheet  provides an assessment of water quality based on the numbers of pollution-intolerant macroinvertebrates collected.

Preparation

Practice Using Equipment

Time in the field is often limited, and being outside can be exciting for students. Incorporate pre-trip orientation to reduce the novelty of new settings. Prior to the field experience, help the students know where they are going, what to expect, and what they will be doing when they are in the field. Assign each student a role within groups so that everyone has something to do. So that students can be productive in the field, have them practice using equipment in advance. Use water quality testing tools in the classroom and/or on the school grounds.

Equipment
Oregon Coast educators can borrow Vernier equipment and other field supplies no cost for up to two weeks from of the Oregon Coast STEM Hub resource trailers.

Visit the Streamwebs website for water quality tutorials,

Salmon Watch Videos
in 2020, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife began creating videos to take the place of salmon-focused watershed field trips which had been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the water quality video, a presenter demonstrates how to measure physical and chemical characteristics of an inland stream (temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and pH).

SAFETY

As always, follow field trip safety precautions when planning a trip to a stream to measure water quality. For example*:

Site Characteristics

  • Look for natural or human-made hazards at the site, such as dangerous litter, adjacent traffic, poisonous plants, unstable streambanks, or deep mud.
  • Check the depth of the water and current speed. Determine where it is safe for students to sample and communicate boundaries to students.

Student Clothing
Many students own and can bring proper clothing on the trip, if they are reminded to do so. Have extra supplies available for students who do not have or bring what is needed.

  • Ensure students have appropriate footwear for the field experience. You may be able to borrow extra boots and/or waders from Oregon Coast STEM Hub resource trailers or from your local ODFW STEP biologist.
    • If students will be walking into water with sandals or old shoes, the footwear should have closed toes. Students should bring a dry pair of shoes to change into after the field experience.
    • Remind students wearing boots that walking into slightly deep water can overtop and fill their boots.
    • Encourage students to bring their own boots from home, as they will probably fit them better. Schedule a "wear your boots to class" practice day before the field trip to help families locate their boots.
    • Try to stay away from areas of deep mud at the site so students don't get mired and pull feet out of boots. Advise students to be aware not to stand in one muddy spot for too long, and to shift weight from foot to foot in order to stay at the surface.
  • Ensure students have clothing to protect from sun, rain, wind, and cold.
    • Jacket, hat, gloves, and rain gear. It is often cooler on the water than it is on land.
    • Advise students to wear sunscreen and, if needed, bug spray.

Rules at the Water's Edge
Review safety rules with students and chaperones.

  • Stay with your group members at all times.
  • Stay in the designated area. Do not go into deep water.
  • At the beach, don't turn your back on the ocean, don't play on logs, and do not go near or into the water unless directed.
  • Know if you are in a tsunami inundation area and where the closest high ground is located in the event of an earthquake.

*Adapted from Planning a Safe Trip from Virginia Water Monitoring Day

Analyzing and Sharing Data

Streamwebs

Students can collect their own water quality data in aquatic and marine environments with help from the Streamwebs portal. Visit the website for water quality tutorials, data sheets, and a watershed investigation curriculum. Students can also upload their data into the platform and visual their results and the findings of other students throughout the state.

NOAA Estuary Education

  • NOAA logoNOAA Estuary Education - Discover specially developed activities, animations, videos, teacher training workshops, real-time data, and opportunities to volunteer at a local reserve.

Blue Water Task Force

 

Student Stewardship and Action Projects

SPOTLIGHT: Reedsport Third Graders Learn About Watersheds Through Meaningful Field Experiences