From Headlines to the Classroom: Teaching Water Quality Science

Photo by Serkan Gu00f6nu00fcltau015f on Pexels.com It's no secret that the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States has had an exceptionally cold and snowy beginning of 2026. In areas like Washington, D.C., the combination of snow, sleet, and…

Bacteria Watch: Microbe Levels in Local Bodies of Water

As you know if you're a regular reader of this blog, April is Citizen Science Month. We think that hands-on projects that get students out of the classroom and into their communities are a key part of learning. We have…

Water Watch: A Microbial Most-Wanted List


Most microbes are harmless or even beneficial, but a small subset—pathogens—can wreak havoc on human health. One of the most common ways people encounter pathogens is through contaminated water. While many water sources undergo treatment that eliminates over 99.9% of…

Splash of Concern: What the Paris 2024 River Quality Means for Students

As the Paris 2024 Olympics continues, the River Seine was set to be a stunning backdrop for the swimming and triathlon events. However, amid the excitement, there’s been a lot of chatter about the water quality of this iconic river…