by Naomi White, Science Teacher, Jefferson High School, LAUSD

LESSSON SHEET

[ Student Handout |Optional Math Problems ]

Time Frame: one period

Concept:
Although water is mainly H2O, normally tapwater and natural bodies of water contain other components as well. Waterquality is the measurement of these components. Tests may includetemperature, stream flow, salinity, chemical content, pH, depth, bioticcontent, and turbidity.

Objective:
To calculate the salinity of an ocean water sample

Materials:

hot plate or bunsen burner
safety goggles
pie pan
chemical balance
student handouts
large glass beaker or jar
ocean water (if unavailable, "create" some by adding salt to tap water)

Procedure:

1. Fill the beaker or the jar with tap water. Ask students what's insidethe beaker. Discuss the chemical formula of water. Introduce the term"water quality" and discuss some types of water quality tests, particularlythe concept of salinity.

2. Let students complete the lab procedure.

3. Review math calculations and discussion questions at the end of the lab.

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