We are currently offering the following programs for the middle school grade range. Programs range from 45 - 90 minutes and can be tailored to support your curriculum needs or club objectives.
Programs with an asterisk (*) require access to a local stream or pond:
What Is A Watershed?
This program provides a deep dive into the watershed concept. Students will learn how topography, climate, and infrastructure influence the movement of water across landscapes. We’ll also explore the impacts of human activities within watersheds on environmental and public health. The program concludes with an interactive simulation using an EnviroScape, where students will have the opportunity to experience watershed principles in real-time.
Model Water Tower Competition
The Model Water Tower Competition is a yearly competition hosted by Cobb County Water System and Marietta Water Authority. It is an interdisciplinary undertaking and requires students to design and build functioning towers with limiting specifications. The competition is designed to provide information to youth about water resource engineering, infrastructure, water treatment, and water conservation in hopes that some will become future water professionals. The contest is for middle schools, and it allows students to learn about the water profession through a fun-filled, hands-on science project. Last year’s grand prize winners won $300, $200, and $100. For information please email us at water_RSVP@cobbcounty.org.
Clean Water Lab
In this cooperative hands-on activity, students will explore the water treatment process as they attempt to treat a sample of polluted river water. A wide variety of scientific principles will be introduced as students utilize different chemicals, tools, materials, and techniques to remove harmful contaminants from their water samples.
Water Chemistry Study [Adopt-A-Stream]
Learn to collect water samples and measure water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and conductivity. This hands-on chemistry activity incorporates the scientific method and provides students the opportunity to collect and analyze water quality data similarly to EPA scientists. Individuals, classrooms, and clubs interested in becoming certified chemical monitors for GA Adopt-A-Stream can do so through this program.
Macroinvertebrate Lab [Adopt-A-Stream]*
Aquatic macroinvertebrates (stream bugs) are excellent indicators of water quality. Meet us at a local pond or stream to learn how to collect and identify these aquatic organisms. Participants will also learn how to categorize each macroinvertebrate by pollution tolerance and assess overall water quality based on the results of the activity. Individuals, classrooms, and clubs interested in becoming certified macroinvertebrate monitors for GA Adopt-A-Stream can do so through this program.
Bacterial Monitoring Lab [Adopt-A-Stream]
Across the globe, waterborne illnesses have become an increasing threat to public health. This program explores the major sources and effects of water contamination in U.S. water supplies. Students will also have the opportunity to practice laboratory procedures by monitoring a local water source for E. coli and determining if or why levels exceed a healthy baseline. Individuals, classrooms, and clubs interested in becoming certified bacterial monitors for GA Adopt-A-Stream can do so through this program.
Freshwater Investigation: Streams and Ponds**
This program is essentially a combination of all three Adopt-A-Stream labs listed above. Students will meet us at a local stream or pond where they will be separated into two-three research groups focused on assessing a specific water quality parameter (i.e. Bacterial, Chemical & Macroinvertebrate). At the end of the program we will compile the data gathered from each group to produce a water quality assessment for the focal habitat. This program is best completed over two class periods, but can be completed in a single extended session.
**At minimum this program requires at least 3 hours of class time to complete.
Snakes of Georgia and their Adaptations [includes Live Snake Presentation]
Our popular herpetology program focusing on Cobb County’s snake species. How have snakes adapted to survive in their environment? Which species in Georgia are venomous and how can you tell? How do snakes benefit our ecosystem? We’ll tackle these questions and cover basic “Herp” biology and systematics as well. *Live snake demonstration dependent on snake availability.
