Programs typically last one class period and can be tailored to support your curriculum needs or club objectives.
To book a program please email us at water_RSVP@cobbcounty.gov .
Programs Available
Programs with an asterisk (*) require access to a local stream or pond:
What Is A Watershed?
This program provides a deep dive into the watershed concept, using an EnviroScape model to demonstrate how topography, climate, and infrastructure influence the movement of water across landscapes. This inquiry-based lesson encourages students to discuss and make decisions about what happens in the model watershed, revealing how everyday activities can affect our surface water and wildlife. Apply knowledge with a live corn snake.
Standards: SEV1, SEV2, SEV5, SES3, SES5, SB5
Clean Water Lab
In this cooperative hands-on lab, students will learn about Cobb County’s drinking water sources and explore the wastewater treatment process. A wide variety of scientific principles will be introduced as students utilize physical, chemical, and biological techniques to remove contaminants from their water samples.
Standards: SEV4
Water Chemistry Study [Adopt-A-Stream]
Students learn to collect water samples and measure water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and conductivity. This hands-on chemistry investigation incorporates the scientific method and provides students the opportunity to collect and analyze water quality data similarly to EPA scientists. Classrooms and clubs interested in becoming certified chemical monitors for GA Adopt-A-Stream can do so through this program.
Standards: SEV4, SEV5
Macroinvertebrate Lab [Adopt-A-Stream]*
Aquatic macroinvertebrates (stream bugs) are excellent indicators of water quality. Classes can meet at a local pond or stream, or participate in an in-class lab, to learn how to collect and identify these aquatic organisms. Participants will also learn how to categorize each macroinvertebrate by pollution tolerance and assess overall water quality based on the results of the activity. Classrooms and clubs interested in becoming certified macroinvertebrate monitors for GA Adopt-A-Stream can do so through this program.
Standards: SEV2, SEV3, SEV4, SEV5, SZ4, SZ5
Bacterial Monitoring Lab [Adopt-A-Stream]
Across the globe, waterborne illnesses have become an increasing threat to public health. This program explores the major sources and effects of water contamination in U.S. water supplies. Students will also practice laboratory procedures by monitoring a local water source for E. coli and determining if or why levels exceed a healthy baseline. Classrooms and clubs interested in becoming certified bacterial monitors for GA Adopt-A-Stream can do so through this program.
Standards: SEV2, SEV4, SEV5
Field Study [Adopt-A-Stream]**
This program can be tailored to meet your curriculum needs and can include concepts from all three Adopt-A-Stream labs listed above. Students will meet us at a local stream or pond where they will be separated into groups to explore and use research methods to assess a specific water quality parameter (Habitat, Bacterial, Chemical, & Macroinvertebrate). At the end of the program, we will compile the data to produce a water quality assessment for the focal habitat. This program is best completed over three hours of class time.
Standards: SEV2, SEV3, SEV4, SEV5, SZ4, SZ5
For service projects visit: https://www.cobbcounty.gov/water/education/volunteer
For competitions visit: https://www.cobbcounty.gov/water/education/schools/school-contests