The Dead Zone

This experiment has three parts.

Part I: Experiment (First Day) - Complete steps 1-6 and 9a of the experiment today. Cut and paste the experimental procedure into your journal. Record your answers to #2 & #9a in your journal. Put the "Nutrient Data Chart: Week 1" and "Nutrient Data Chart: Week 2" in your journal. Record your daily observations over the next 2 weeks in the appropriate place on these sheets in your journal. Under �other observations� on the Nutrient Data Sheets record the nitrate, phosphate, and dissolved oxygen (in ppm) daily.

Part II: Nutrient Pollution (Second Day) - Download the "Effects of Nutrients in the Bay", �Nutrient Pollution Factsheet� and �Nutrient Nuisance: Part II�. First, we will have a class discussion about the impact of excess nutrients on water quality in the Bay and the steps being taken to reduce nutrient levels (using the "Effects of Nutrients in the Bay" sheet). Next, you will complete #1-4 on the �Nutrient Nuisance: Part II�. Record your answers in your journal. After you complete 1-4, research (using the Internet resources below) the following questions: under Sign of Progress the article discusses how the 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreement was calling for a 40% reduction in nutrient inputs to the Bay by the year 2000. Was that goal met? What further progress has been made since 2000? Record your research in your journal. What else do you think needs to be done to reduce nutrient pollution? Be prepared to share your research and your opinions with the class.

Part III: Analysis (Last Day) - On the last day of the experiment, find the temperature, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and phosphate levels one last time. Record these results in your journal on the Water Quality Data Sheet (from the �Testing the Waters� activity). Then graph your data for the entire experiment. Make sure you set up your graph properly, including your independent and dependant variables (with proper units) and a title. Graph DO, nitrate, and phosphate all on the same graph, but use a different color for each variable. Paste your graph into your journal. Then, complete steps 9b, 10, and 11 in the experimental procedure, and record these answers in your journal.

When your entire experiment is complete, turn in your journal for a grade. Your lab report (journal entries) for Steps 2 and 3 will be assessed together, based on the rubric below.