1. Jessica Sapunar-Jursich
Raritan River 1
Ashley Hein
Dawn Kirchner
Amy Potts
Jessica Sapunar-Jursich
Frieda Smith

2. Raritan River

3. Raritan River 1 Science Content Water quality effects river ecosystems
Animal species are indicators of ecosystem health and pollution
River Content
History of Raritan River
Macro-invertebrates are the species for the Raritan River environment that can be used to determine the health of the Raritan River
Science Tools
Maps of New Jersey
Dip Net
Magnifiers
Documentation
Observation Journal

4. Lesson Plan Instructional Objectives (1 of 2)
Students will understand:
How water quality affects aquatic environments
How animal species can indicate health of ecosystem
What function a map can serve

5. Lesson Plan Instructional Objectives (2 of 2)
Students will understand:
How to use a dip net and magnifier
How to identify indicator species
Usage of Raritan River
How to use an observation sheet

6. Lesson Plan Schedule (1 of 2)
Introduction to Ecosystem Habitats & Water Quality (30 min.)
Logistics & Safety Briefing (5 min.)
PowerPoint Intro (10 min.)
Water Quality Activity (15 min.)

7. Lesson Plan Schedule (2 of 2)
Transition & Walk to River Dock (15 min.)
Indicator Activity & Journaling (30 min.)
Summary (15 min.)

8. Water Quality Activity
Small Scale Habitats
“Clean” Tank: soil, rocks, live animals
“Dirty” Tank: litter, no live organisms
Healthy & Unhealthy
Drinking Water
Vinegar
Muddy Water
Chocolate Water
Concepts of Turbidity
FUNdamental
Standard
Enhanced

9. Indicator Activity Scrubbers, Rocks & Nets Dip Nets & Rock Collection
Turbidity
FUNdamental
Standard
Enhanced

10. Aquatic River Animal
Scud – Freshwater Shrimp

11. Observation Journal Date and time Weather conditions
Describe outside conditions
Describe the water
Identify aquatic animals
Tally number of animals on field guide
Water quality conclusion

12. Water Quality Activity Modifications Cognitive – Water Quality
Barriers: Difficulty with verbal & written communication
Small Scale Habitats
Label stickers
Communication board
FUNdamental

13. Water Quality Activity Modifications Cognitive - Indicator
Barriers: Difficulty with verbal & written communication
Scrubbers, Rocks & Nets
Bring samples of water to tables
Communication boards
FUNdamental

14. Water Quality Activity Modifications Low Vision – Water Quality
Barriers: May only see light, darkness, shapes/figures; visual field cuts
Small Scale Habitats
Projected magnification
Oral description
Healthy & Unhealthy
Standard

15. Water Quality Activity Modifications Low Vision – Indicator
Barriers: May only see light, darkness, shapes/figures; visual field cuts
Scrubbers, Rocks & Nets
Dip Nets & Rock Collection
Magnification
Working in pairs
Standard

16. Water Quality Activity Modifications Age Related – Water Quality
Barriers: Impairments with hearing and dexterity with slight mobility
Small Scale Habitats
Healthy & Unhealthy
Concepts of Turbidity
Offering headsets
Advanced vocabulary
Enhanced

17. Water Quality Activity Modifications Age Related – Indicator
Barriers: Impairments with hearing and dexterity with slight mobility
Scrubbers, Rocks & Nets
Dip Nets & Rock Collection
Turbidity
Offering headsets
Pool cue strap
Allow extra transition time
Enhanced