How Accurate Are Student-Collected Data? Determining Whether Water-Quality Data Collected by Students Are Comparable to Data Collected by Scientists

摘要: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Measurements of water quality can provide scientists with valuable information about a tidal creek and its watershed, including effects nonpoint point-source pollution, drought conditions, other water-quality issues. In Georgia, the Adopt-A-Stream program was implemented by Georgia Department Natural Resources to increase public awareness issues, citizens tools training evaluate local waterways in their community, encourage partnerships between government. Throughout state, trained volunteer groups collect baseline data that could potentially be used help government officials make educated decisions environmental Many student groups, ranging from elementary college level, participate program. Monitoring programs involve students data-collection process benefits students, teachers, scientists. Involvement monitoring requires use scientific reasoning critical-thinking skills investigate relationship organisms live particular habitat. The collected such programs--if are accurately--can presented community assist making informed regarding Few studies, however, have been published accuracy student-collected data. purpose our study teach upper (5th grade) high school (10th-12th monitor two estuarine creeks using an adaptation protocol. Data were then compared instructor determine for dissolved-oxygen (DO) concentration, salinity, temperature. (Editor's note: For another example participation water-monitoring program, see "Making Science Relevant" Eick et al. on p. 26 this issue.) Materials methods study, three classes completed in-class, 45-minute lesson proper techniques collecting before visiting field. instructor, scientist protocol, demonstrated collection each class allowed practice samples prior session. During session, also discussed safety procedures importance rigor (Safety "Safe practices field studies," 33). Within weeks in-class lesson, at one sites Savannah, (Lazaretto Creek or Betz Creek). All April December 2005. On sampling date, divided into four directed instructions materials provided them. DO levels measured analysis kit, titrated titration kit. Salinity nearest 1 ppt refractometer, temperature whole degree Celsius stem thermometer. all tests, required record numerical value units marked kit instrument. colorimetric kits, which several color must matched tested sample, instructed choose corresponded best match. Student parameters replicate water, producing values per group parameter. These combined produce average parameter date. …