Humans, the Environment, and the Great Plains
Watershed Pollution
Background:
Recent trends in watershed pollution indicate that urbanization is
having the greatest indirect influence on water quantity and quality.
According to the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED), if the causes of pollution and waste are not
addressed, pollution will worsen as economies expand.
Objective:
To bring about a greater awareness regarding the growing problem
of watershed pollution. The northern Great Plains are presently
facing this threat. The result is an adverse impact on the quality
and quantity of clean water and the desertification of grasslands.
Plan:
- Choose a large body of water (a lake, river, or pond)
important to your area of residence.
- Ask students to examine the importance of this body of water
by addressing answers to the following questions:
- What is the geography/geology of the body of water?
- What flora and fauna are characteristic of it?
- How many people make a living from this body of water?
- What are their occupations?
- What events are important in the history of this body of
water?
- Have any archaeological sites been excavated here? If yes,
then how far back do they date?
- What is the condition of water? Is it improving or
deteriorating?
- What is being done to plan for the use of this water?
- What laws have being passed or are being discussed to
regulate the water and surrounding areas
- To obtain this information, students will contact the
appropriate state or local agencies, such as the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR), the National Park Service (NPS), the
State Historic Preservation Office, other local historical
societies, museums, foundations, and private groups concerned with
preserving that body of water.
- Evaluate the environmental, economic, and cultural changes
that have taken place in the region where the body of water is
situated within the past 100 years.
Testing, Grading, and Evaluation:
Have students identify sources of watershed pollution. Has the
situation worsened over time?
Adapted from the Teacher's Guide to World Resources:
Watershed Pollution, World Resources Institute, 1709 New York Avenue,
Washington D.C.
Primary Course: Social Studies
Applicable Grades: 3 - 6
Materials Needed: Addresses or telephone numbers of
organizations like the DNR, NPS, etc.
Related Courses: Geography, History
Time Required: Three 45-minute sessions
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