Watershed – Climate Connection

Comparing Global Climate & Local Streams

by
Amy Crispin, Sunny Brae Middle School   Jessie Hobba, Sunny Brae Middle School   Dave Haller, Freshwater School     Tyler Vack, Trinidad School

This 6th-8th grade curriculum looks at the watershed – climate connection by comparing global climate & local streams.

Main goals/overview:  

  • Analyze historical weather data and look for trends and patterns
  • Understand  and process of stream monitoring and variables that determine stream health
  • Compare variables between dammed and undammed rivers
  • Compare smaller local watersheds to assess streamflow versus precipitation and in relation to stream temperature.
  • Collect data from three local watersheds, Mill Creek, Beith Creek, and Mill Creek and analyze and compare data.

Standards:

  • Graphing
  • Make predictions
  • Analyze and interpret data
  • The specific practices in mathematics, science, and English language arts: M2, M3, M4, M8, S4, S5, S7, E4, E5, E6, E7

Lesson 1 – Graphing in the coordinate plane.

Lesson 2 – Analyzing streamflow data

Lesson 3 – Using Dreamflows.com and Wunderground.com, students will compare streamflow and precipitation data to look for patterns and evidence of climate change.

Lesson 4 – Surveying a watershed

Lesson 5 – Precipitation and predictions of streamflow

Click here to download entire module with all resources and pre/post assessments.

Watershed and Climate Connection
Watershed and Climate Connection