Task
You will be planning an event to be held during the local
Fourth of July celebration in Wakanda Park. One of you will be developing
the script for the program. One of you will design and build a model demonstrating
how the algae bloom occurs. This will be displayed at your program. All
of you will be prepared to participate in a debate about the problem and
one of you will write a song that address the issue. Finally, one of you
will make a brochure that explains the algae problem. This brochure will
be passed out at the Fourth of July event and will also be distributed
at other events in the community.
Process
You will be divided into “city councils” of four members each. Each of you will choose one of the research areas ton which to become an expert:
The Historical Expert, who will find out what has happened so far about the problem of the algae bloom in Lake Menomin. This person will serve as the narrator for the program on the Fourth of July.
The Water Quality Expert, who will learn about eutrophication, algae blooms, and phosphorus imbalance. At the program, you will present a model that explains the problem in Lake Menomin.
The Non-Point Source Expert, who will identify the many sources of phosphorus and explain what will happen if nothing is changed. This person will be in charge of developing the brochure.
The Solutions for Today Expert, who will develop a piece of artistic work that explains how each person can help with the problem. This could be a multimedia presentation, a play, a puppet show, a song, a poem, or a combination of these.
Each person will use the resources listed under their area of expertise (as well as any other sources) to research their topic. Take notes as you go. These will be evaluated at the end to see how well you researched. Identify the source of information when you take notes.
DAY TWO
Your group will discuss the problem of the algae bloom in Lake Menomin
to see what has been learned thus far. You will come up with two questions
for each “expert” to answer by conducting more research.
Time will then be given for you to do more research to answer these questions.
Again, take notes and keep track of where you get the information. Use
the Vocabulary Page to help you understand
the terms you will encounter.
DAY THREE
Each expert will come up with ideas for his or her part of the final project.
The Historical Expert will begin an outline for the Fourth of July program, including introductions, calling attention to the model, the artistic presentations (s) and passing out of the brochure.
The Water Quality Expert will begin sketching a design for a model that demonstrates how eutrophication works.
The Non-Point Source Expert will begin drawing a sketch of the brochure that describes the many sources of the problem and includes solutions.
The Solutions for Today Expert will begin writing a play, poem, or whatever artistic medium he or she is using to demonstrate the need for solutions.
DAY FOUR
Work day to catch up and continue working on individual ideas for the
presentations.
DAY FIVE
The Historical Expert will present his or
her outline for the program to the group and get assistance for how to
make the program even more effective. Each expert will be expected to
have an idea about what his or her part of the program will need for equipment,
time, etc. The final outline will be completed.
DAY SIX
The Water Quality Expert will present his
or her sketch about eutrophication to the group and assign tasks for each
person to do to complete the model. The group will complete the model
during work time.
DAY SEVEN
The Non-Point Source Expert will get feedback
on the brochure developed so far. Experts will make corrections, group
members will double check information on the internet sites and the Non-Point
Source Expert will assign tasks for each person to do to complete the
brochure.
DAY EIGHT
The Solutions for Today Expert will tell
the group about his or her artistic ideas. He or she will then assign
tasks for each person to do to complete the artistic creations.
DAY NINE
Work day to complete the projects.
DAY TEN
Each city council will orally present ideas to the class and hand in work.
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Resources
Red Cedar River Basin Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
A Primer on Water Quality
Harmful Algae Blooms
Water Pollution: Sewage
Effects of Urbanization on Water Quality: Sewage Overflows
What is Stormwater and Polluted Runoff?
Manure Management and Water Quality
Water Pollution: Agriculture
Bear Creek Restoration Project
Welcome to Wisconsin’s Self-Help Citizen Lake Monitoring
Conclusion
You have learned a lot about a problem without an easy solution. Remember, this problem really has been around for many years and you could be part of the solution. Feel free to share any part of your work with local policy makers, or contact your state or federal legislators and get involved in helping change the environmental laws!
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