Environmental Issue: Nonpoint Source Pollution
Background Information
The resources listed below are included in this module to help teachers prepare for and conduct an Earth Force project that deals with NPS Pollution.
Designed for Grades 6-8
Subject Area: Biological and Environmental Science
| Why is there still water that's too dirty for swimming, fishing or drinking? Why are native species of plants and animals disappearing from many rivers, lakes, and coastal waters? Is our water clean enough to drink? |
PA Academic Standards, Environment and Ecology, addressed with this issue:
- 4.8. Humans and the Environment
4.8.7.C Explain how human activities may affect local, regional and national environments. - 4.3.7. Environmental Health
4.3.7. A Identify environmental health issues
4.3.7. B Describe how human action affect the health of the environment - 4.9.7. Environmental Laws and Regulations
4.9.7. A Explain the role of environmental law and regulations
General Teacher Resources:
List of available Curriculum Re-alignment Materials offered through the Department of Education, Office of Environment and Ecology.
Storm Drain Stenciling -Introduction -- Get your students ready! A powerpoint to introduce students to nonpoint source pollution and storm drain stenciling
Documents on Nonpoint Source Pollution:
Glossary A-P; Glossary Q-Z
Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution from Boating and Marinas
Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution from Agriculture
Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution from Households
Managing Urban Runoff
Programs for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control
What You Can Do to Prevent Nonpoint Source Pollution
Opportunities for Public Involvement
Dos and Don'ts Around the House
Conserve Water And Use It Effectively
Websites with Nonpoint Source Pollution information:
General Information
- EPA Polluted Runoff - many of our articles came from here
http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/, check the section "Articles and Activities for Middle School Students" - Stormwater Strategies - Community Responses to Runoff Pollution
http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/storm/stoinx.asp - The Pennsylvania Water Resources Directory - is a compilation of resources that can be used to enhance audience understanding about topics related to water quality and watersheds. The Directory is printed annually by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. (PACD). The online version of the Directory is also revised, ongoing.
http://www.pacd.org/resources/water/introduction.html - Pollution and Pollution Solutions
http://www.pacd.org/resources/water/PollutionSolutions.html - Contact list of organizations in Pennsylvania and the resources they provide.
http://www.pacd.org/resources/water/Contact.html