Science Lesson: Testing Local Water pH
Lesson Plan
2 hours 10 minutesGrades6, 7, 8Science
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Written by Mallory Swafford
About this lesson
Students learn about the pH scale through videos, discussions, and interactive simulations, then apply this knowledge by designing and conducting a pH-based investigation to test the pH of a local waterway.
Inquire: Students engage in a movement-based activity to assess familiarity with the pH scale, acids, and bases.
Investigate: Students engage in five virtual labs using an online pH simulation and learn about the relationship between pH, the health of bodies of freshwater, and climate change.
Inspire: Students design and carry out an experiment to test the pH of a local waterway in order to assess its health.
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Everything you need to teach it
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Suggestions
- For shorter class periods, the lesson can be paced in the following way:
- Day 1: Complete the Inquire and Investigate sections through the simulation. Optional homework: Assign the two short videos at the end of the Investigate section.
- Day 2: Finish the Investigate section (if not completed for homework), and half of the Inspire section through planning.
- Day 3: Finish the Inspire section by collecting data and analyzing the results.
- The two videos and accompanying discussion questions at the end of the Investigate section can be assigned as homework.
- The Inspire section can be extended into two or more class periods.
- This lesson can be taught in a middle school science class when studying healthy ecosystems or when studying acids and bases.
- The lesson can be paired with a unit on the water cycle, expanding the discussion around how climate change impacts the health of bodies of water. This resource can be used for this purpose if desired.
- For a stronger connection to math standards, the language of ratios and rates can be used during the simulation activities in the Investigate section.
- Students can engage individually or as a whole class in this freshwater meditation video. Note: students will need a glass of water to complete the meditation prompts. After the video, students share their thoughts and feelings using the following prompts:
- What memories, thoughts, or feelings came to mind during the exercise?
- How does looking out over the water make you feel?
- How would you feel if this water were polluted?
This lesson can be an introduction to the concept of ocean acidification.
Prerequisites
- Teachers should preview all resources prior to teaching the lesson.
- pH test strips, pH indicators, or pH meters are needed to test the pH level of waterways.
- Teachers can provide a reference sheet of common local pollutants in their region, such as acid rain, agricultural runoff, and erosion of specific minerals. Students can use these to understand why their local pH might be high or low.
- Teachers may want to provide a chart showing the pH range of survival and health for aquatic plants and animals. This chart can be specific to your local or regional waterways.
- One-to-one technology is preferred for the simulation.
- Students should have a basic understanding of variables and constraints when designing a question or a plan to test.
- If students have not previously designed a short investigation or testing plan, teachers should provide modeling and additional structure to the Inspire section.
Differentiation
- All simulations and hands-on activities can be completed individually, in pairs, in lab groups, or as a teacher demonstration at the discretion of the teacher.
- Lab groups may be created with students of mixed abilities.
- Advanced students or classes can explore the Micro tab of the simulation to calculate ion ratios.
- Students can engage in further research about the health of local waterways. Investigating dissolved oxygen content can be a logical next step for extension.
- Students who need an extension can explore this alternative video (0:00-4:18) on the pH scale for a more sophisticated explanation of the chemistry.
- The following options could be used to test a waterway near the school:
- Option 1: Teacher can take pH test strips or a pH meter, if desired, to test these waterways.
- Option 2: A class field trip can be arranged so students can test the waterways.
- Option 3: Students can be encouraged to test the waterways over a weekend or after school.
- Option 4: Students can use this resource to determine if their waterway is healthy enough to house an ecosystem without testing the pH of the water by going to the “aquatic life” tab.
- Students may explore this resource to help them explain why water quality is so important.
From the scientist review
This lesson allows students to study how waterway health and climate change are related. Using the pH meter, they analyze the canal to see if it is suitable for native fauna habitation. This lesson has passed our science review process and is recommended for teaching.
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About the teacher writer
Mallory Swafford
Teacher
I graduated in 2014 from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale with a zoology degree. I worked in the field of zoology until 2018 when I decided to make the switch to education. I now am certified to teach first through sixth grades in general education. I am endorsed in middle grades science and I expect to finish my master's in high school biology this year. I love teaching science and am excited to work with the Subject to Climate team!
Reviews
Ethan Kannel
This is a great lesson plan for pH! I adapted it slightly by adding an intro with pH strips in which students were testing and recording the pH of various items to start to develop an understanding of pH. This expanded the lesson plan into a 3 day unit which was exactly what I was looking for!
9 months ago
