It's Our Water

About It's Our Water

It’s Our Water is a complete curriculum divided into five modules. Each module begins with a short video that presents a water quality topic, reviews scientific principles, shows real-life examples of current water issues, and introduces students to various professions related to water. Classroom demonstrations, discussions, homework, quizzes, and hands-on activities reinforce major concepts and prepare students for field investigation. Students develop an understanding of how these water resources issues affect them directly by investigating the stream nearest their school. The skills and knowledge required in each module build on earlier modules. Student will work towards completing a final project that examines the status of the water quality in their stream and offers recommendations for managing the stream.

Course Overview

MODULE 1 – Introduction & Hydrosphere Review
Introduces the basic concepts of water (hydrosphere, movement of surface waters and ground water) and water quality (why it is important, everyone has an impact on water quality and quantity).
  • Review concepts of the hydrosphere,
  • Demonstrate water use impacts,
  • Explore surface and ground water concepts,
  • Introduce topographic maps,
  • Apply observation techniques at local stream.
 
MODULE 2 – Our State’s Water Resources
Students learn about their place in their state’s systems of water resources.
  • Identify and document our state’s water resources,
  • Identify and document local river systems and water resources,
  • Use mapping techniques at local stream.
 
MODULE 3 – Water Quality
Focus is on water quality, how it is maintained and how it is tested.
  • Determine and document local drinking water sources, wastewater treatment, and runoff systems.
  • Test and document water quality using samples from a local stream.
MODULE 4 – Impacts and Influences
Investigates the impact of human activity on water quality and quantity by showing many of the most prevalent influences.
  • Demonstrate how water moves and carries pollutants in surface and groundwater.
  • Introduce various human activities and their potential impact on water quality.
  • Introduce concepts of point and nonpoint source pollution.
  • Identify and document land use activities affecting local stream.
MODULE 5 – Planning Ahead to Prevent Problems
Introduces methods available to protect water resources, shows how the needs of different users must be balanced to be successful. Challenges students to make recommendations for local stream.
 
  • Introduce stream restoration techniques, stream regulations and their relative effectiveness.
  • Create a final class report that includes the research results and recommendations for land and water use for local stream.

To sign up, please email:

Lauren.Daniel@ncdenr.gov