Are You Ready to Rock?! Heavy Metal Contamination and Remediation in Water and Soil

The contamination of water and soil by heavy metals poses a serious environmental problem with severe consequences for health. In this lesson, students will learn the significance of the presence of heavy metals in the environment around them and pursue an investigation that models the methods scientists use to remove these toxins from water. First, will grow pea plants in contaminated and control soil samples to illustrate the detrimental environmental effects caused by the presence of heavy metals. Next, students will engage in a macro-sorting activity and reading passage to build their understanding of why scientists must develop novel ways to filter and sort substances. Finally, students participate in a paper chromatography investigation, to emulate the spectroscopy detection methods scientists use in their laboratories.