WaterWays, with generous support from the American Water Charitable Foundation, partnered with Environmental Science and STEM students at Chattanooga Charter School of Excellence to explore water quality through hands-on activities and field trips. Throughout the project, students gained valuable knowledge of water issues that directly impact both local and global ecosystems. They learned about point source and nonpoint source pollution, analyzing how contaminants enter water systems from identifiable sources versus widespread, often invisible, contributors like urban runoff.
The program also offered a comprehensive look at the urban water cycle, where students explored how water moves through cities and interacts with various environmental and human-made factors. Trash decomposition in water bodies was another key topic, as students observed firsthand the long-term effects waste has on water quality. As part of their studies, students assessed abiotic factors like water temperature and pH, and they used the biotic water quality index to evaluate the health of aquatic ecosystems based on local organisms. Through these activities, students not only gained scientific knowledge but also understood the interconnectedness of water systems and human impact.
Field trips were a crucial component of the program, offering students the opportunity to see these concepts in action. Students were able to visit the litter boom on Chattanooga Creek, the wetlands at Enterprise South Nature Park, and even enjoyed a paddle trip at Reflection Riding.
To further cement their learning, students created public service announcements (PSAs) in the form of posters and videos to share the importance of water conservation and pollution prevention. These creative projects allowed students to communicate their newly acquired knowledge to the broader community, empowering them to be active advocates for water quality. The hands-on experiences, combined with the creation of meaningful PSAs, helped solidify a sense of responsibility and passion for preserving water resources. Students are now better equipped to lead efforts to protect and improve water quality in their own communities thanks to the generous support from American Water Charitable Foundation.
