Thursday, December 21, 2017

WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL gets up close and personal with pollution study

The seventh-grade science students at West Middle School have been studying pollution, its causes and effects. Mrs. Sara Bochenek presented an interactive activity daily.
    
This activity began by creating a large topographical map. Landforms such as mountains, hills, valleys, plateaus and plains were identified.

Next sponges were added to represent wetlands. Wetlands prevent flooding and hold pollutants at bay from entering large bodies of water.

After that wildlife figures were included to the topographical map. Using spray bottles the students made it "rain".  They discussed what bodies of water were now formed. These lakes, streams, oceans and other watersheds were formed by runoff and influenced by the surrounding landforms. At this point the environment was clean and healthy for plants and animals.
    
Everyone learned that once the Industrial Revolution started water pollution was a negative consequence. Erosion, oil spills, salt, chemicals, toxic waste and acid rain entered the waterways.

Pollution devastated the environment that the class had created. After another "rainstorm" the science students observed how the pollution spread. In some instances it was apparent that the wetlands did their job of holding back pollution from entering the lakes, streams and rivers. 
    
In conclusion, students gave suggestions how they could each minimize the amount of water pollution. Suggestions included picking up dog waste, using less cleaning products, recycling car oil appropriately, and writing letters to our government officials to enact better pollution control practices.


Sara Bochenek, West's Instructional Support Coordinator, helps our students have a better understanding of their world through special speakers, field trips and lab activities.


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