Environmental Chemistry: Nitrates, Phosphates, and Eutrophication Kit

Great for small groups or for students who are working at home!
This kit helps students understand the importance and value of fresh water and the need to protect and conserve this valuable resource. They learn that a variety of factors, including natural ones, contribute to the overall problem of water pollution. After completing this lab, students should understand the difference between point source and non-point source pollution, as well as the role of nitrates and phosphates in the process of eutrophication. Students observe and examine the effects of nitrates, the effects of phosphates, and the effects of a combination of nitrates and phosphates in miniature “ponds.” Contains enough materials for 5 groups and includes teacher's manual and student copy masters.

This kit addresses the following Next Generation Science Standards*:
Performance Expectation(s)
MS-PS1-2. Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.
HS-PS1-3. Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence to compare the structure of substances at the bulk scale to infer the strength of electrical forces between particles.

Crosscutting Concepts
Patterns

Disciplinary Core Ideas
PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions

Science and Engineering Practices
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

*Next Generation Science Standards® is a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.