Teacher Guide: Estuary and Watershed
Contents
SUMMARY
In this activity developed by NOAA, students investigate the nature of watersheds and their relationship to the dynamic changes that occur in estuaries due to drainage and runoff. Students begin by examining the San Francisco Bay Estuarine Research Reserve and tracing the extent of the watershed using Google Earth. Then they identify possible sources of pollution and contamination along the major rivers that feed into the bay. Students also examine water quality data in the San Pablo region of the estuary and identify changes that occur due to a storm event.
GOALS
Students will be able to:
- Identify the processes in the watershed that affect conditions in the estuary and explain some specific examples.
- Apply their understanding of changes in the watershed and the resulting effects on the estuary to explain real-life situations regarding land use and weather in watersheds.
- Understand how water quality factors are affected by natural and man-made sources of pollution and contamination.
CONTEXT FOR USE
Teaching Time: 4 (55 minute) class sessions + homework
Organization of the Activity: This activity consists of 4 parts which help deepen understanding of estuarine systems:
- Exploring the San Francisco Watershed
- What’s Upstream Comes Downstream
- Water Quality at the Mouth of the Watershed
- Optional: Mapping Your Local Watershed
Preparation:
- Download Google Earth and install it on your classroom computer(s) or computer lab machines.
- Optional: Obtain topographic maps for plotting your local watershed for Part 4 of the activity. You can obtain such a map from a nearby store or order one at <topomaps.usgs.gov/>.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION AND TEACHING MATERIALS
Teacher Guide—Earth Science Module
Activity: Estuary and Watershed
