![Westwood students watching a water cycle presentation]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1556898103/springlakeparkschoolsorg/kl05nllnazwhpb1xeoy7/WW_water_resoruces_3832.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1556898103/springlakeparkschoolsorg/kl05nllnazwhpb1xeoy7/WW_water_resoruces_3832.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1556898103/springlakeparkschoolsorg/kl05nllnazwhpb1xeoy7/WW_water_resoruces_3832.jpg","width":800}])
After learning about natural resources in the classroom and how humans interact with and impact the earth’s natural resources, Westwood Intermediate and Middle School fifth graders had the opportunity to learn from different specialists in the area.
While learning from the specialists, students cycled through five stations.
- Station one: students learned about pollution in our water system and how people impact that system.
- Station two: included an interactive game where students learned about the water cycle.
- Station three: students learned about water chemistry. Water is a unique chemical and even breaks some rules! Students did experiments then acted out that water is weird because it 1. expands when it freezes 2. has "surface tension" that water bugs love 3. is a "sticky liquid" in that it sticks well to other water molecules in moving up plants or forming drops and 4. is a "universal solvent" meaning it's great at dissolving things including salt and other minerals from rocks and the pollutants we leave on streets and sidewalks.
- Station four: students learned about how soil and wetlands help preserve clean water and prevent floods.
- Station five: student learned about how scientists collect water samples and inspect the insects in the water in order to determine the water quality.
“This was a great learning opportunity for the students,” said Westwood Spanish Immersion teacher Jennie Hayle. “After applying their learning and spending time at each station, students then made a promise to do their part to keep our water clean.”
The specialists that the students learned from were:
Rebecca Haug, Water Resources Manager for the City of Blaine; Dawn Doering, Coon Creek Watershed District; Britta Dornfeld, Coon Creek Watershed District; Jaron Cook, Anoka Conservation District; Heidi Ferris, Growing Green Hearts; Tillery Bailey, Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, University of MN; Megan Lauzon, Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, University of MN; and Rachel Workin, City of Fridley.
Watch students learning about how water expands and contracts.
