USING AN EXPERIENTIAL RESEARCH PROJECT TO TEACH HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACTS ON WATER QUALITY

Background:

Students with minimal knowledge of water quality and geology observed chemical and geological soil changes in 6 locations, including 5 streams and 3 major geologic sites. The students' research culminated by comparing the water and soil quality of the following sites: 1) Verdigris River, Bird Creek and in The Port of Catoosa, 2) The Tar Creek near Picher Oklahoma, and 3) a small creek in the Tallgrass Prairie. By combining field explorations with scientific literature reviews, students gained experience in fieldwork, record-keeping, and presenting findings in an evidence-based report on the importance of water quality and its relationship to geological influences and natural and anthropogenic activities at each location.

Method:

In Fall 2022, Owasso High School Students collected water samples from 3 different geological locations and conducted tests both onsite and in the lab using snap kits; Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen (DO) meters, and strip tests, and observed local geology and did a soil survey. Data were sorted into groups and compared with each location. Then students created graphs and compared their data to EPA stream quality parameters.

Results:

Students observed noticeable changes in water and soil quality and that poorer water quality was on indigenous lands and low-income areas or areas where local businesses released effluent into rivers/streams with low human populations. For most students, this was their first research experience. Consequently, data accuracy was sometimes poor but sufficient for broad trends to emerge.

Conclusion:

Students were able to observe in real-time how humans and geology have impacted the local water quality. This hands-on activity increased students' understanding of water quality and the need to employ several management techniques to increase or maintain waterway’s health, biodiversity and quality for human safety. Students also interacted with professionals and gained experience presenting which will help in their educational endeavors.