Script for analysis of water quality of a watershed for use by elementary school students

Abstract

In this work we developed a script for the physico-chemical and microbiological analysis of water from a watershed to be used by students of the 6^th and 7^th grades of elementary school and evaluated the results of the students in learning to understand the degree of preservation of the study area. The methodological procedures involved field work with students, guidance in understanding the elements present in the water, physical and chemical analysis, comparisons with standards set by CONAMA Resolution No. 357, microbiological analysis and discussion of results. The results showed the presence of ammonia and phosphate exceeding legal standards and the presence of fecal coliforms. Of the 60 students involved, 70% completed the proposed activity in an appropriate manner and associated the results with the occurrence of sewage and garbage. A post-activity questionnaire showed that students became able to recognize the physico-chemical and microbiological elements present in the river, as well as human interventions that can damage water quality. The proposed script was adequate for the students to build concepts and to develop experimental procedures and relevant hypotheses about environmental problems.