The Stream Side Science Curriculum is a set of 11 water related activities and lesson plans correlated directly to the 9th grade Earth Systems Science Core. This curriculum was a collaborative effort involving Utah State University, the Utah State Office of Education, and Governor Walker's Watershed Initiative. These activities have been extensively tested in the classroom and modified according to teacher feedback.
Page Content:
Stream Side Science Lesson Plans
Training Opportunities
Photo Tour of Activities
Supplemental Materials
Jordan River Supplement
Bear River Supplement
Utah Stream Team
Power Points
Sampling Saftey
Stream Side Science Lesson Plans
Download PDF's of the Stream Side Science lesson plans below:
- Cover, Introduction and Table of Contents
- Where's the Water? : In this classroom activity, a teacher led presentation helps students identify the reservoirs of the Earth’s water cycle and understand the relative amounts in each reservoir through estimation.
- What's in the Water? : On a field trip, or in the classroom, students will measure four abiotic factors (pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and temperature). They will learn how these factors are influenced by external conditions such as location, land use and pollution.
- Who Lives in the Water? : Students explore diversity and adaptation to aquatic environments by observing aquatic macroinvertebrates collected in a stream.
- Missing Macroinvertebrates : Students sort and count aquatic macroinvertebrates and use a simple index to predict the quality of the water where the organisms were collected.
- Wetland vs. Stream Macroinvertebrates : Students will compare aquatic macroinvertebrates collected in wetland and stream sites and use these observations to understand the differences between the two environments.
- Riparian Review : On a field trip students will measure or observe biotic factors of a stream environment, including different measures of vegetation and wildlife.
- Nitrogen Cycle : Students will diagram the nitrogen cycle following a teacher led discussion, and will measure nitrogen in water samples collected from different sources to better understand human impacts on the global nitrogen cycle.
- When Things Heat Up : Students will measure the temperature and dissolved oxygen of a stream and discuss what this data can tell us about possible pollution problems.
- Thats's Predictable : Students will research and report on ecosystem changes that occur as a result of changes in abiotic or biotic factors such a a drought or the construction of a dam.
- Water Management : Students will participate in a mock "community meeting" to discuss their positions on water use, water shortages, distribution, and water quality.
- Biodiversity Debate : Students will hold a debate about the construction of a dam in terms of biological, aesthetic, social, and economic arguments with regard to maintaining biodiversity.
- Appendices
To receive a hard copy of Stream Side Science, please call (435) 797-2580
Training Opportunities
Teacher trainings are offered throughout the state. Please see the What's New Page for the current schedule, or call (435) 797-2580 to request a training in your area.
Why should you come to a workshop?
- You'll learn how to teach science, math, and geography in a hands-on fashion.
- Relicensure points are available.
- Substitute reimbursement is available.
- The workshops are free!
- Lunch is provided.
STREAM SIDE SCIENCE TRAINING
The Stream Side Science Workshop uses simple water monitoring techniques to teach science, geography, and math concepts.
Workshop participants receive:
- 11 lesson plans correlated to the Utah State 9th Grade Earth System Science core curriculum standards and ILO's.
- an easy to follow monitoring manual that includes Utah Specific background information and additional resources,
- hands-on training on monitoring techniques
- assistance with field activities and equipment
ADVANCED MACROINVERTERBRATE IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP
Explore the underwater world of aquatic macroinvertebrates at this day long workshop. Participants will spend time in the field collecting macroinvertebrates as well as identifying specimens in the lab.
Workshop participants will come away with:
-
macroinvertebrate collection supplies
- a Utah specific macroinvertebrate guide
- training and assistance with identification
- a macroinvertebrate collection they have identified themselves
Photo Tour of Activities
Click here to view a Power Point Presentation of Stream Side Science Activities.
Click here to download a Power Point Presentation of Stream Side Science Activites.
Supplemental Resources
JORDAN RIVER WATERSHED
The Jordan River activity manual is a supplement to the Stream Side Science manual for schools within the Jordan River Watershed in the Salt Lake Valley. The supplement was specifically written to be used with the Stream Side Science Manual. The information contained will enhance Stream Side Science activites and provide the students with a greater understanding of their local watershed.
For more information, or to obtain a free copy, please contact: Salt Lake City Public Utilities at (801) 483-6884, or click here to visit their website.
Click here to download the map to the right, Figure G-2: Jordan River Watershed Map - student copy
BEAR RIVER WATERSHED
The Journey through the Bear River Activity Guide is a supplement to the Stream Side Science manual for schools within the Bear River Watershed. It provides additional local resources and information.
Introduction and Journey through the Bear River
The following activities are available in hard copy or cd form upon request from USU Water Quality Extension
Define your Watershed
How's it Flowing?
Hunting for Habitats
First Come, First Served
UTAH STREAM TEAM 
The Utah Stream Team manual is a complete guide to setting up a volunteer monitoring program in your classroom or with volunteers. It contains background information and resources pertaining to stream monitoring and water quality. To recieve a hardcopy of the Utah Stream Team, please call (435) 797-2580.
POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS
Click here to download Watershed 101
Click here to download Watershed Delineation
Sampling Tips and Safety Information
Sampling Safety
What to Sample
Contact Information
For more information about the Stream Side Science Program, please contact USU Water Quality Extension at (435) 797-2580.