Aquatics   

Students are expected to:

• Identify the processes and phases for each part of the water cycle
• Describe the chemical and physical properties of water and explain their importance for freshwater and saltwater ecosystems
• Discuss methods of conserving water and reducing point and non-point source pollution
• Analyze the interaction of competing uses of water supply, hydropower, navigation, wildlife, recreation, waste assimilation, irrigation, industry, and others
• Identify common aquatic organisms through the use of a key
• Delineate the watershed boundary for a small water body
• Be able to explain the different types of aquifers and how each type relates to water quality and quantity
• Briefly describe the benefits of wetlands, both function and value
• Describe the changes to the aquatic ecosystem based on alteration to the aquatic habitat
• Know methods used to assess and manage aquatic environments and utilize water quality information to assess the general water quality of a given body of water (includes sampling techniques, water quality parameters used to monitor point and non-point source pollution)
• Be familiar with major methods and laws used to protect water quality (surface and ground water) and utilize this information to make management decisions to improve the quality of water in a given situation