Scientists at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center collect water samples regularly and perform many tests on the water in an effort to monitor the water quality of the Rhode River, a sub estuary of the Chesapeake Bay.

At this station, student, like the SERC researchers, will measure different variables of water quality, including salinity, pH, turbidity, water temperature, and tides, to understand the characteristics of the water in the Rhode River.

Objectives

At this station, students will measure salinity, pH, turbidity, and water temperature and discuss what these measurements tell us about the water quality of the Rhode River. The students will also measure wether the tide is going in or out.

The different water quality parameters are described below.

Salinity

Salinity is a measure of the amount of salt in water. Scientists keep track of the salinity in the water to understand the behavior and adaptations of estuarine animals. In Estuary Chesapeake students will determine the salinity of Rhode River water with a hydrometer and compare it to the typical salinities across the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, and the Atlantic Ocean.

pH

To determine the acidity or alkalinity of the water, students will perform a pH test. In an estuary, many animals and plants are very sensitive to changes in the pH level, which can be a result of acid rain. Scientists at SERC monitor the pH of rainwater as well as the creeks and rivers.

Turbidity

Turbidity, or the cloudiness of the water, is an important parameter. When the water is too cloudy because of sediment or algae growth, not enough light can penetrate to the underwater grasses that need the light to grow. Student will measure turbidity with a Secchi disk and discuss the factors, such as a recent rain storm or high winds that can affect this parameter.

Water Temperature

Seasonal weather changes and the mixing of water in the estuary will cause water temperature to fluctuate. Water temperature has important implications for the circulation patterns of water in the Chesapeake Bay system. It also affects the behavior of cold-blooded animals like fish and amphibians whose temperatures change with the temperature of the water or air around them. The students will focus on local conditions near the SERC dock and measure water temperature at various depths to see if there is any variation.

Tides

Tides have the greatest influence in determining how the water of the estuary moves. Ocean water flows into the Bay creating high tide, then flows out again, reaching its lowest point at low tide. Students will measure water depth at a give spot and compare their results to measurements taken by the groups before and after them to determine whether the tide is ebbing or flooding.

Science standards

Maryland Content Standards
Water Testing Science Indicators:
1.0 Skills & Processes: 1.5.1, 1.5.2, 1.5.4, 1.5.5, 1.5.6, 1.5.7, 1.5.8, 1.5.9, 1.5.11, 1.5.14
2.0 Earth/Space Science: 2.5.12
3.0 Life Science: 3.5.7, 3.5.9, 3.5.13
6.0 Environmental Science: 6.5.2, 6.5.5

Virginia Standards of Learning
Water Testing Science Indicators
Scientific Investigation, Reason & Logic: 4.1, 5.1
Living Systems: 4.5
Interrelationships in Earth?Space systems: 4.6. 5.6, 5.7
Resources: 4.8