Lesson 1 - Watersheds and Nonpoint Source Pollution Basics
About
The first video and lesson in the Groundswell Communities for Clean Water series introduces the concept of a watershed and sources of nonpoint source pollution.
More About This Resource
Students are introduced to scientific models that help them conceptualize watersheds and their importance for managing nonpoint sources of pollution. Students answer these essential questions:
- What is a watershed?
- What is the relationship of the water cycle to watersheds?
- How does my watershed connect to the Grand River and Lake Michigan?
- What is nonpoint source pollution?
- How can actions upstream affect water quality downstream?
As you explore this resource, you will find a lesson designed for use with grades 7-12, Watersheds and Nonpoint Source Pollution Basics.
Groundswell partnered with WGVU and the GVSU Annis Water Resources Institute to create educational videos and lesson plans about nonpoint source pollution. This type of pollution is one of the biggest threats to healthy lakes, streams, and rivers.
What is a Watershed?
Watersheds 101
Designed as an introduction to the concept of a watershed and nonpoint source pollution, this video also shares specific information related to the Lower Grand River Watershed in Michigan.
Lesson One - Engage
Engage: Watersheds and Nonpoint Source Pollution
Engaging students in the concept of a watershed, students actively investigate where water flows in their schoolyard using a cup of water and inquiry in this activity.
Download Lesson One Engage: Where does the water flow inquiry activity
Lesson One - Explore
Explore: Watersheds and Nonpoint Source Pollution
Students are challenged to create and test a paper model of a watershed.
Download Lesson One Explore: Building a watershed model
Lesson One - Elaborate
Elaborate: Watersheds and Nonpoint Source Pollution
Invite students to expand on their 3D watershed models and explore what affects water quality in a watershed.
Download Lesson One Elaborate: Expanding on the 3D watershed model
Lesson One - Full Lesson
Full Lesson: Watersheds and Nonpoint Source Pollution Basics
Explore and download the full content of Lesson Plan 1: Watershed and Nonpoint Source Basics, which contains activities to introduce students to scientific models that help them to conceptualize watersheds and their importance for managing nonpoint sources of pollution.