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Eutrophication of Lake Wingra: A Chemistry-Based Environmental Science Module

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Ann C. Howe

Department of Mathematics and Science Education, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695

Leslie Cizmas and Robert Bereman

Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695

J. Chem. Educ., 1999, 76 (7), p 924

DOI: 10.1021/ed076p924

Publication Date (Web): July 1, 1999

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

The paper describes the development and field test of a curriculum module for introductory chemistry by an interinstitutional, interdisciplinary team representing the disciplines of chemistry, biology, political science, environmental management and computer visualization. The module was designed to show that a serious and common worldwide environmental problem, the eutrophication of freshwater lakes, is directly related to the chemical reactions of phosphates. The module, which includes a student manual, an instructor's manual, and a computer visualization component, is based on a case study of Lake Wingra in Madison, Wisconsin. The module was field tested at two sites, after which 80% of students gave it a high overall rating. Attitude questionnaires administered before and after the unit was taught showed that students increased their interest in environmental problems, increased their understanding of the complexity of the problems, and had a higher level of personal commitment to address environmental problems. With changes in emphasis the module is suitable for use in other courses, including economics, biological science, and environmental science.