The purpose of this teacher's guide for grades 1-8 is to stimulate an awareness and understanding of the sources of nonpoint source pollution, its damaging effects on water quality and its prevention. Through its use students are exposed to other valuable concepts - watersheds, the water cycle, stormwater, and shellfish biology and habitat.

Since 1970, DEP has worked to reduce the pollution of New Jersey's waterways from specific point sources, such as industry and sewage treatment plants. Yet nearly half of pollution comes from more diffuse sources. Individual actions, such as littering, dumping motor oil and hazardous substances onto the ground or into drains, and misusing pesticides and fertilizers create nonpoint source pollution which can degrade the state's water quality and impact shellfish habitat.

Highlights

• This guide makes connections between the natural world and human activities and supplements classroom, school site and off-site programming



• The guide contains interdisciplinary, thematic and hands-on activities that emphasize the development and practice of such skills such as problem-solving, decision making, creative expression and sensory awareness

Target Audience(s)
Youth leaders and teachers of students in grades 1-8

Additional Information
Division of Watershed Management
NJDEP, PO Box 418
Trenton NJ 08625-0418
Phone: 609-292-2113
Fax: 609-292-0687