5E STEM Farm Soil and Water Practices Unit
Students will be able to define agricultural runoff, describe its impact on water quality, explain differences between variable spray and traditional whole spray fields, conduct experiments to observe spraying techniques' impacts on water quality, develop problem-solving skills by designing pollution-minimizing agricultural systems, and understand the importance of sustainable practices in protecting water quality.
Overview
Students investigate how agricultural runoff affects water quality by comparing whole-field and variable-spray fertilizer application. The unit opens with a discussion question and a video on fertilizer runoff, after which students write hypotheses about indicators such as pH, turbidity, and nutrient levels. They observe a sand, water, and food coloring runoff demonstration, review a case study, and test soil and water from simulated fields. Groups share control, whole-spray, and variable-spray results in a Google Slides gallery walk, repeat the experiment with samples they collect themselves, and finish with a formal lab report.
Lesson Objectives
- Define agricultural runoff and describe its impact on water quality
- Understand and explain the differences between variable spray and traditional whole spray fields.
- Conduct experiments or simulations to observe the impact of different spraying techniques on water quality.
- Develop problem-solving skills by designing a hypothetical agricultural system that minimizes water pollution.
- Understand the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and their role in protecting water quality.
Standards
NGSS · 1
- HS-ESS3-4Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
CCSS Math · 3
- HSN-Q.A.1Reason Quantitatively And Use Units To Solve Problems: Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas;
- HSS-ID.C.9Distinguish between correlation and causation.
- HSN-Q.A.3Choose a level of accuracy appropriate to limitations on measurement when reporting quantities.
CCSS ELA · 4
- RST.11-12.1Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the account.
- RST.11-12.3Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks; analyze the specific results based on explanations in the text.
- RST.11-12.8Evaluate the hypotheses, data, analysis, and conclusions in a science or technical text, verifying the data when possible and corroborating or challenging conclusions with other sources of information.
- RST.11-12.9Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments, simulations) into a coherent understanding of a process, phenomenon, or concept, resolving conflicting information when possible.