Causes and Effects of Water Pollution

6th GradeScience45 min

aligned to Ngss Ms-ess3-3

Learning Objective

I can describe the causes and effects of water pollution, including identifying point and nonpoint sources.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

10 min

Water Pollution

Bozeman Science

Guided Notes

9 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • Point source pollution comes from a single, identifiable source, such as a pipe, while non-point source pollution comes from diffuse sources, like agricultural runoff.

  • Wastewater, which includes animal and human waste, is a major water pollutant that can be measured by its biochemical oxygen demand or BOD.

  • High levels of nutrients from wastewater can cause eutrophication, leading to algal blooms that create dead zones when the algae decompose and deplete oxygen.

Practice

14 min

8 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

Name one cause and one effect of water pollution. Be sure to specify if the cause is a point source or nonpoint source.

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts