These lessons weremore broadly defined beyond simply following pure water in the cycle from ocean to atmosphere to precipitation. More than 98% of all California Coastal Wetlands have been lost to commercial development of real estate. Using probeware to measure water quality we wanted to change students' thinking about their impact on the water they drink and how their use impacts the coastal natural and recreational areas. We engaged students in a live teleconference with the Scientist in charge of the National Estuarine Research Reserve much like the teleconference shown in this web exhibit. During the teaching of this unit, Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana and students learned invaluable lessons about the strength of weather conditions influenced by the water cycle, the value of fresh water sources from the scarcity of resources in New Orleans, as well as the origins and safety of their own water and discharge. Using probeware to measure water quality, students also took a trip to the science museum where they learned about water treatment and conservation.
