Return to top of the page. Commercially available water tests can be found in pet shops with aquarium supplies or in garden shops. A dissolved oxygen test can only be used effectively when the oxygen in samples is stabilized with chemicals upon collection. Since students are collecting the water and bringing it in without assistance, the dissolved oxygen test is not used in this activity. Students research available resources for information about water quality and water-quality testing.
Students design a water-quality lab investigation.
Students can use a standard scientific lab report outline to understand the types of information and results that are required. Then they can devise tests that will yield the information and results required. Students investigate the quality of water samples found in their community. Students report their findings about water quality by writing a lab report, using standard scientific writing guidelines, and a lab report outline. This outline can be used for many kinds of scientific labs.