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e-Journal

The Case for Clean Water (p. 136–137)


Step 1. Questions

Plants, animals, and people need clean water. Some of Earth's water is polluted, though. Polluted water can harm living things, including insects.

Write a report about the effects of pollution on insects. To do so, you will need to research water pollution and how it affects insects. Use the information on page 137 of your textbook, also. Here are some questions to guide your research:
  • How can you tell that a body of water is polluted?
  • What are some insects that live in streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds?
  • What are the effects of water pollution on these insects?
  • How can people help clean up Earth's waters?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above, and write down what you learn in the note-taking boxes.

With teacher supervision, you may use search engines to research other Web sites. You also can research water pollution and insects at the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your report.


Step 2. Research

Research answers to the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!


Toolbox Tip: Click here to find out how to listen to an audio clip.


Lakes Are Great
This Web site from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has information to help you get started. Click WONDERFUL, WACKY, WATER CRITTERS to see some of these freshwater animals. This page also contains a link that explains how you can make an UNDERWATER SCOPE. When you have finished reading the material from this site, try the AQUATIC CRITTER KEY GAME.
Take Notes:



Northeast Ohio River Projects
This Web site will help you learn about how insects are affected by pollution. Click GROUP ONE TAXA: POLLUTION-SENSITIVE ORGANISMS to learn about insects that are sensitive to pollution, such as the mayfly, stonefly, and caddisfly. Then scroll to the bottom of the page and click GROUP II TAXA: POLLUTION-INTERMEDIATE ORGANISMS to learn about insects that can live in both clean and polluted water, such as dragonflies and damselflies. You also can click GROUP III TAXA: POLLUTION-INSENSITIVE ORGANISMS to learn about insects, such as the midge, that can live in polluted water. This Web site from the Northeast Ohio Rivers Project also has great photographs of these insects.
Take Notes:



Freshwater Pollution
Here you will find a field guide to freshwater organisms. A diagram of some freshwater organisms shows the approximate size of these critters. This diagram is useful if you plan to look for some of these organisms in your neighborhood pond. Scroll down and click the underlined names of the insects to learn more about them. This Web site comes from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in the United Kingdom.
Take Notes:



Additional Sites

How to Clean Up Our Water
This Web page from the Natural Resources Defense Council lists twelve easy things that you can do to help clean up Earth's waters. The information presented here can help you write a call to action in the conclusion of your report.
Take Notes:



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