They also evaluate the student-directed lessons, the Water Quality Symposium, and Water Quality Improvement Projects. They make suggestions about how to improve this unit. Finally, they select items for their portfolios and submit them to the teacher. As humans interact with the water system, they alter the system in ways that are both beneficial and detrimental. Disturbances and pollution in watersheds, whether natural or human in origin, can have complex effects on water quality and waterways.
Water quality influences the health of many components of ecosystems, including humans.
Community members can gain understanding and the ability to assess complex water quality issues. They can understand the consequences of their activities on water quality and make decisions that minimize negative outcomes. Community members can understand and experience the value of collaboration to solve complex natural resource issues. Community members can meet the needs of maintaining a healthy natural environment, a healthy economy, and a healthy community. Each Rivers Project guide identifies concepts covered in that curriculum area.