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Atchison and Holt County Water Festival - (G04-NPS-13)
It is important for youth to understand water quality, non-point source pollution and [stream bank] erosion, not only because it is important for our environment, but also because these topics are included in the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) science knowledge test at the third grade level. For this reason, third grade classrooms from three Atchison County schools and two Holt County schools will be invited to attend a local Water Festival.
Project Description
Extension presenters will conduct learning stations including enviroscape models to teach the concepts of watershed and non-point source pollution, while tying the discussion to possible sources of NPS. Additional stations will include, the water cycle as taught through Project WET activity "The Incredible Journey", Garbage Pizza which reinforces the concerns related to landfill waste and water quality, and Soil Erosion Bottles which show how runoff is affected by different types of ground cover. Missouri Department of Conservation staff will bring the stream table and demonstrate stream bank erosion and its causes. In addition the Project WET activity, "Just Passing Through" will be conducted to reinforce best management practices to prevent excess runoff and erosion. The Birds and Beaks as well as the Food Web will be used to reinforce the critical interaction between animals and clean water. The Water Festival will be held in Rock Port at the Velma Houts Fair Building and the Atchison County Fair Grounds. Students will be divided into groups and each group sill rotate through the various learning stations. Through active involvement in their learning, students will be able to better relate to the concepts they are being taught.
Objectives
Approximately 100 third grade students will participate in the Water Festivals.
Students will learn the meaning of the terms point source and non-point source pollution.
Students will learn how the Water Cycle works and the various ways pollutants can enter the water.
Students will learn about the types of soil erosion and best management practices used to reduce erosion (Which is the greatest source of NPS pollution in Northwest MO).
Methods Employed
Each teacher will administer pretests to students before the water festival to determine individual and classroom knowledge levels. At the conclusion of the Festival, each student will then complete a posttest. Additionally, teachers will be surveyed following the Festival to obtain their input on the Festival learning experiences. They will also be asked for anecdotal evidence of student comments regarding any knowledge gained.
Products
Students will be able to define the following terms: watershed, point source pollution, nonpoint source pollution. They will also be able to describe the water cycle. Teachers will recognize the value of Water Festivals in helping to prepare students for taking the science MAP tests.
Project Sponsor
Atchison County University Extension Center
201 Highway 136 East
Rock Port, MO 64482
Cooperators
Missouri Department of Conservation
Atchison and Holt County SWCD's/NRCS
Atchison County Fair Board
University Outreach and Extension
Rock Port, Tarkio, Fairfax, Mound City, and Craig Schools
Contact
Jim Crawford 660-744-6231
Beverly Maltsberger 816-279-1691
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