Biological waste treatment in the activated sludge process is based on the ability of microorganisms to use dissolved oxygen in breaking down soluble organic substances. The oxygen uptake test is a means of measuring the respiration rate of microorganisms in this process. Designed for individuals who have completed National Pollutant Discharge…

Discusses methods used in the biological assessment of river quality and such indicators of clean and polluted waters as the Trent Biotic Index, Chandler Score System, and species diversity indexes. Includes a summary of a river classification scheme based on quality criteria related to water use. (JN)

This guide provides basic information on the Clean Water Act, watersheds, and testing for water quality, and presents four science lesson plans on water quality. Activities include: (1) "Introduction to Water Quality"; (2) "Chemical Water Quality Testing"; (3) "Biological Water Quality Testing"; and (4) "What Can We Do?" (YDS)

Literary works (novels, plays, poems) are suggested for the public's environmental orientation. Discusses rationale for using these works, focusing on Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People" (which parallels present problems in United States cities) as a valuable literary air to a better and easier understanding of environmental issues. (JN)

Focuses on Sea Partners, by the United States Coast Guard, that enables students to understand how pollution affects the marine environment. Correlates the activities with the National Science Education Standards. (DDR)

Provides interdisciplinary ideas to accompany environmental education activities for kindergarten through grade 12. Topics of the activities include water pollution, soil erosion, and salmon homing instincts. Interdisciplinary areas include fine arts, language arts, and social studies. (DDR)

Presents an exercise that gives students a real feeling for experimental errors and demonstrates the importance of frequent repetition and averaging. (JRH)

The director of the Marine Systems Laboratory of the Smithsonian Institution discusses steps in developing ecological models. The following topics in using an aquarium for the ecosystem are described: lighting, water motion, water quality and filtration. Presents information on choosing living organisms for the ecosystem. Describes potential…

Discusses the Environmental Stewardship Program and other government programs involving Canada's commitment to foster the practice of environmental citizenship in day-to-day activities. (MDH)

Describes a yearlong project that involves biology students in monitoring water quality. Includes details of the awareness phase, action phase, and presentation phase. Discusses student reaction to the project. (DDR)

Presents details of how a local stream is studied as part of a ninth-grade science curriculum, the goal of which is to learn about the school's ecosystem. Provides examples of specific group projects related to the stream. (DDR)

Describes a project for students to study storm water runoff, erosion, sedimentation, nutrient enrichment, wetlands, ground water, and the effects on waterways of acidity and household pollutants through experimentation and fieldwork. (CCM)

Details an environmental education course in which students begin a long-term study of water quality in the watershed of a local river, document the habits of aquatic animals, and use federal and state laws to provide protection for these wetlands. (DDR)