Watershed District said phosphorus is biggest problem. It comes from fertilizers, leaves and grass clippings, dog waste, and geese. The "Phosphorus and the Green Scum" fact sheet on-line explained why it's a problem.
Identify Your Project:
We'll test the soil at 15 student houses to see if lawns really need fertilizer. Then we'll stencil storm drains and make a flier to put on doors which includes the results of our soil study. We will tell 250 households how to reduce phosphorus pollution. This is an entire sub-watershed of Blue Lake. We will use a checklist to show that we have met the Graduation Standard.
Set a Time Line:
Friends of the Mississippi will provide paint and stencil kits. Order soil test kits from Extension a month before soil sample collection. Need $7 per test = $105. Copies of brochures. Copies of "Phosphorus and the Green Scum" Fact Sheet. Environmental Resource Guide activity, "Too Many Nutrients." Two five-gallon aquariums, pond water, and phosphorus fertilizer.
Train/Orient New Students:
Friends of the Mississippi will provide training. Students will each research the issue.
Reflect on Experience:
Class reports. Planning discussions. Post project analysis. Final project analysis.
Tally of households contacted. Get project feedback from Watershed District. Final project analysis paper by each student.
Post project summary with pictures, copies of fliers, etc. in hallway by main entrance of school.
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