Watershed Dynamics is a model text for demonstrating how national science standards can be used to integrate content, science skills and processes, and technology in a focused, integrated, and relevant way. This excellent book from NSTA Press is part of the Cornell Scientific Inquiry series, the goal of which is to help students develop research skills through authentic investigation of relevant issues.
Designed for students in ninth and tenth grade, Watershed Dynamics has both a student and a teacher edition. The first section of the student book reviews the basic content relating to watershed studies, including applications to biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. The text provides an overview of field study techniques and incorporates remote sensing in data collection. Ten protocols follow that address topics such as field surveys, use of maps and air photos, aquatic chemistry, measuring stream discharge, and using STELLA computer modeling. A number of suggested avenues of study and research are presented, followed by a design challenge relating to storm water treatment.
The teacher edition contains the full content of the student edition plus teaching notes, a performance assessment along with examples of assessment criteria, rubrics for poster presentations and written reports, and sample test questions. The format of Watershed Dynamics is perhaps as valuable as the content. This module is an exemplary illustration of how teachers can employ a series of lessons to craft scientific thought and behavior.