PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE USES
OF NATURAL RESOURCES THROUGH
RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP
ENVIRONMENTAL DETECTIVES
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
FOR 8TH GRADE STUDENTS
The Environmental Detectives program is a half-day activity for 8th
grade students offered throughout King County.
Environmental Detectives leads students through research and
The King Conservation District promotes
sustainable uses of natural resources through
responsible stewardship. Our vision is to be
recognized as a leader in achieving community based stewardship of lands within the
District, with economically and environmentally
discussion stations as they gather clues in an attempt to solve the
Mystery of the Dying Fish. This program places science learning in a
real-world context-with scenarios that people may encounter daily.
Along the way, students conduct scientific tests and analyze or create
statistical and other data. They are empowered to seek the best
solutions to complex environmental problems.
• Learning objectives are aligned with the Next Generation Science
sustainable working lands, vibrant agriculture,
Standards (NGSS) and can be easily integrated into lesson plans and
and technically sound land, water, and habitat
curriculum
stewardship embraced by all citizens.
• Environmental Detectives meets NPDES Phase II measurable goals
for Education and Outreach
• Environmental Detectives is adapted from the University Of
Berkley Lawrence Hall Of Science’s GEMS guide
For more information or to schedule a field trip:
Kristen Reichardt • [email protected]
1107 SW Grady Way, Suite 130 • Renton, WA 98057
Phone: 425.282.1900 • www.kingcd.org
(425) 282-1927
www.kingcd.org
ENVIRONMENTAL DETECTIVES
Students rotate through several research stations
to conduct tests and measure water quality parameters as pieces of evidence in their discovery of the
Mystery of the Dying Fish.
STATION 4: Observe, Graph and make
conclusions about predator and prey
relationships and the ecosystem impacts
STATION 5: Measure water clarity and
learn how erosion and sedimentation
affect water quality
STATION 1: Look for aquatic organisms
that indicate water quality
STATION 2: Test the pH of
water and learn about the
effects of acid rain
STATION 6: Learn where oil pollution
comes from and how to reduce or prevent
it from entering water ways
STATION 3: Measure dissolved oxygen
and phosphate levels in the water and
discuss how algae blooms happen
As students move through stations they will collaborate in groups as preparation to present who
they think is at fault for the polluted water and fish die off.
Soon they will learn that everyone poses an impact to the health of our watershed and finish
with a discussion on what we can all do to limit our effect on the environment.