Water quality is everyone’s concern; we all need water to live healthy
lives. Between Flint, MI, and Jackson, MS, it’s important that citizens know how
to assess their water quality from chemical and societal perspectives. This
project introduces students to water quality, how our water is cleaned for
drinking purposes, and how socio-economic influences impact water quality in the
US. Students apply general chemistry I concepts to the water quality to
understand how the Flint and Jackson Water Crises occurred, experimentally
assess a water sample from their home, compare their results it to their local
water quality report, draw conclusions based on their findings, and explore if
what happened in Flint and Jackson could happen to them. Students conduct
literature research as a part of this project and complete a final report on
their findings and conclusions.
TAKEAWAYS:
Water quality is everyone's concern. This presentation will show educators how to equip students to apply their chemical knowledge to assess water quality and advocate for themselves and others.
SPEAKERS:
Catherine Haslag (Riverland Community College)