3.4 Understanding Point vs. Nonpoint Source Water Pollution
This middle school lesson teaches students to distinguish between point source and nonpoint source water pollution and to cite examples and sources of each. Through a hands-on interest approach using six cups of water contaminated with common pollutants, content instruction, and a “Show What You Know” review activity, students learn how everyday activities contribute to water pollution. The resource is part of the Pork Checkoff Middle School Food and Agricultural Literacy Curriculum (Natural Resources Science: Water).
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- As a result of this unit the students will explain the role of clean water in sustaining life.
- As a result of this lesson the students will cite three examples and sources of water pollution (point and nonpoint).
- Time required
- Instruction time for this lesson: 45 minutes.
- Grade level
- Middle School
- Materials
-
- Six clear cups/glasses
- Water
- Oil
- Soil
- Bleach
- Miracle Grow liquid fertilizer
- Dish soap
- Overhead/LCD projector or writing surface
- Writing utensil
- Note card – one per student
- MS.NR.3.4.TM.A – one per teacher
- MS.NR.3.4.TM.B – one per teacher
- MS.NR.3.4.TM.C – overhead or one per group of four students
- MS.NR.3.4.TM.D – overhead or one per group of four students
- MS.NR.3.4.ASSESS.A – one per student
- Lesson Number
- MS.NR.3.4
- Precepts
- J. Mental Growth; J3. Practice sound decision-making
- Key Terms
- Point source; Nonpoint source
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
National Standards
- ESS.04.01.01.aIdentify types of pollution and distinguish between point source and nonpoint source pollution.
- NL-ENG.K-12.3Evaluation Strategies — Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts.
- NRS.01.01.01.bDifferentiate between renewable and non-renewable natural resources.
- NRS.02.06.08.aDescribe sources of pollution and delineate between point and nonpoint source pollution.
- NS.5-8.6Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
- NSS-GK-12.5Environment and Society