Polluting the Fountain of Youth

The freshwater springs of Florida are so breathtakingly beautiful, they seduced Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon into believing that the mythical Fountain of Youth lie at their origins. Today, pollution is evident by brown algae and nitrate levels in the water threaten not only the natural beauty of the springs, but also their potability. Are we polluting the very essence of life? This episode of The New Explorers takes a look at how scientists are working in the springs to prevent further pollution in the waters. Polluting the Fountain of Youth world be useful for classes on Science and Technology, Marine Biology and Ecology. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Objectives
Students will learn about the efforts of scientists to discover the sources of pollution and methods of pollution prevention in Florida’s freshwater springs. They will understand the methods and scientific application of advanced technology that scientists use in their work.

Nationsl Science Education Standards.
Polluting the Fountain of Youth fulfills the following National Science Education Standards: Unifying concepts and processes in science; science as inquiry; science in personal and social perspective; science and technology.

• blemish
• contamination
• differential
• fluorescent
• gradient
• iridescent
• magnitude
• manifestation
• subterranean
• synchronize
• topography
• tributary

1. Water is necessary for life. It is more precious than anything humans can ever make, and without it, life ceases to exist. Do we take our water supplies for granted? How can we conserve water to ensure that there will be enough for the future?

2. What is a water reclamation plant?

3. Many of our fresh water supplies show evidence of pollution. What will eventually happen if we continue to pollute our fresh water supplies?

4. Discuss the differences between fresh water and ocean water.

5. Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon thought the Florida springs contained the mythical Fountain of Youth. Who was Ponce de Leon? Discuss the Spanish exploration of Florida and its influence on the history of the state.

6. Evidence of pollution is apparent by the brown algae growing in the water. Nitrates cause these algae. How do the nitrates get in the water?

7. Surface waters are better protected than ground waters. Why?

8. Why do scientists release fluorescent dye into the waters?

9. Scientists use a spectrofluorophotometer. What is this equipment and what does it do?

10. Describe the tourism of the area.

11. Scientists dive into caves underwater to seek the sources of pollution. Discuss the dangers of cave diving.

12. Each spring has its own ecosystem. What is an ecosystem?

13. Why is it important to chart the age of the water?

14. How do scientists determine the age of water?

1. Create a poster illustrating the harmful effects and potential dangers of polluting our fresh water sources.

2. Tourism is a major part of Florida’s economy. Create a brochure promoting safe vacationing in the Florida springs.

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Air Dates

• December 29, 2004