In this Environmental Science Data Investigation, students analyze real-world style datasets to determine why a thick green algae bloom suddenly appeared in Lake Greenwood.

Through graphing, trend analysis, and structured evidence evaluation, students uncover the most likely cause of the bloom.

This is not a simple reading or worksheet.

Students actively:

• Create graphs from multiple environmental datasets
• Analyze water clarity and algae coverage trends
• Examine nutrient levels such as nitrates and phosphates
• Evaluate rainfall data and stormwater runoff patterns
• Compare sites around the lake
• Identify patterns and evaluate data reliability
• Construct a structured Claim–Evidence–Reasoning explanation
• Propose environmental solutions and follow-up monitoring plans

What Students Learn

Students explore and understand:

• How nutrient runoff contributes to algae blooms
• How rainfall events increase stormwater runoff into lakes
• How fertilizers impact freshwater ecosystems
• How algae growth affects water clarity and oxygen levels
• The relationship between human activity and water quality
• How environmental change can be measured and monitored

This investigation connects nutrient pollution, freshwater ecology, and ecosystem stability in a meaningful, data-driven way.

What’s Included

• Complete Student Case File Packet
• Mission Briefing & Background Reading (algae growth, nutrient pollution, runoff)
• Multiple Graph-Ready Datasets (nutrient levels, rainfall totals, water clarity, algae coverage)
• Trend Hunt & Data Quality Check Pages
• Checklist Interpretation Section
• Scaffolded Claim–Evidence–Reasoning Writing Pages
• Extension Activity (environmental solutions + follow-up investigation design)
• Teacher Answer Keys and Grading Rubric
• Glossary of Terms (Grade 5+ accessible language)
• Word + PDF formats

How Teachers Use This Bundle

• Water quality units
• Ocean science lessons
• Whole-class investigations
• Small group collaborative work
• Independent assessments
• Sub plans
• Review before tests
• Project-based learning units
• Environmental science electives

Each case can be completed in 1–2 class periods.

Why Teachers Love the Format

• Highly engaging without added classroom management stress
• Clear structure that supports all learners
• Strong alignment to NGSS Science & Engineering Practices
• Builds both science content and structured writing skills
• Flexible pacing for any schedule

You can find this activity inside my Environmental Science Data Analysis and Graphing Investigations Bundle which currently includes:

✔ The Fish Kill at Riverbend Creek

✔ The Algae Bloom at Lake Greenwood

✔ The Cloudy Reservoir Case

✔ The Dying Wetland Plants Investigation

✔ The Coral Reef Bleaching Case

Standards Alignment

Supports NGSS Science & Engineering Practices:

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data
• Constructing Explanations
• Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Crosscutting Concepts:

• Cause & Effect
• Systems & System Models
• Stability & Change

Disciplinary Core Ideas:

• Human impacts on Earth systems
• Ecosystem dynamics

Climate and environmental change

Designed For

• 6th–9th Grade Environmental Science
• Earth Science
• Ecology Units
• Human Impact Lessons
• Climate & Sustainability Topics

Students don’t just read about environmental problems — they analyze the data, evaluate the evidence, and determine what actually happened.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at devon@teachwithfergy.com