Education Technology


JASON: Does Oxygen in the Water Matter

Activity Overview

JASON Aquatic Field Study: Explore how dissolved oxygen is one of the best indicators of the health of an aquatic ecosystem. Measure the dissolved oxygen level of a local aquatic site and explore how it affects water quality.

Before the Activity

See the attached teacher document (pdf file) for notes and guidelines for this activity.

Print and copy the attached activity document and research article (pdf files) for your class. The research article is in the during the activity section below.

During the Activity

Students will:

  • Collect a water sample from a local aquatic site
  • Measure the amount of dissolved oxygen using a Dissolved Oxygen Sensor connected to a TI CBL 2™ or Vernier LabPro and a TI-73 Explorer
  • Collect a second sample, compare the values and find the average


  • Directions
  • Distribute the activity document and research article to your class
  • Read and discuss the research article
  • Follow the activity procedures outlined in the student document
  • After the Activity

  • Students complete the data analysis section of the activity
  • Discuss the results of the data analysis with your students