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In investigation 1, students model one aspect of cultural eutrophication, using milk as a biodegradable pollutant and yeast as a decomposer. They observe the effect of aerobic decomposition on the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water. Then in investigation 2, each student group designs and conducts an experiment to examine the effects of excessive nutrient input on algae growth and water quality. Kit includes materials for 8 groups of students.

Product Details
In investigation 1, students model one aspect of cultural eutrophication, using milk as a biodegradable pollutant and yeast as a decomposer. They observe the effect of aerobic decomposition on the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water. Then in investigation 2, each student group designs and conducts an experiment to examine the effects of excessive nutrient input on algae growth and water quality. Kit includes materials for 8 groups of students. Note: Kit includes a voucher to request the perishable material later at your convenience. Contact Carolina or return the voucher to request delivery of perishables.

Unit Connection
These laboratory investigations correlate to Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution, topic 8.5: Eutrophication in the AP® Environmental Science Course and Exam Description.

Standards Connection
This kit addresses the following AP® Environmental Science concepts:
Big Idea 4: Sustainability (STB). Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems. A suitable combination of conservation and development is required. The management of resources is essential. Understanding the role of cultural, social, and economic factors is vital to the development of solutions.

• STB-3 Human activities, including the use of resources, have physical, chemical, and biological consequences for ecosystems.
• STB-3.F Explain the environmental effects of excessive use of fertilizers and detergents on aquatic ecosystems.
• STB-3.F.1 Eutrophication occurs when a body of water is enriched in nutrients.
• STB-3.F.2 The increase in nutrients in eutrophic aquatic environments causes an algal bloom. When the algal bloom dies, microbes digest the algae, along with the oxygen in the water, leading to a decrease in the dissolved oxygen levels in the water. The lack of dissolved oxygen can result in large die-offs of fish and other aquatic organisms.
• STB-3.F.3 Hypoxic waterways are those bodies of water that are low in dissolved oxygen.
• STB-3.F.4 Compared to eutrophic waterways, oligotrophic waterways have very low amounts of nutrients, stable algae populations, and high dissolved oxygen.
• STB-3.F.5 Anthropogenic causes of eutrophication are agricultural runoff and wastewater release.

Time Requirements
Teacher Preparation (before class):

• Prelab: 20 minutes
• Investigation 1: Before Day 1, 10 minutes; Lab Day, 60 minutes
• Investigation 2: Before Planning, 20 minutes; Before Performing, 20 minutes

• Prelab: 45 minutes
• Investigation 1: 40 minutes
• Investigation 2: Week 1, 45 minutes; Week 2, 20 minutes; Week 3, 20 minutes; Week 4, 20 minutes
• Student Presentations: 45 minutes
• Free-Response Questions: 60 minutes

Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support instruction. Digital resources may include teacher manual and student guide, prelab activities and setup videos, simulations, and postlab analysis and assessments.

Prior Knowledge and Skills
Students should be familiar with the following skills or concepts:

• Familiarity with the experimental design process
• Definition and examples of biodegradable materials
• Role of decomposers in a community
• Knowledge of point and nonpoint water pollution sources
• General understanding of water quality parameters (pH, nitrate/nitrite, phosphate, turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, etc.)

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