Glossary Glossary Breakwaters/Groynes Breakwaters/Groynes are structures that extend into a body of water to deflect and diffuse the offshore eroding power of waves before they reach the beach. Bulkhead Bulkheads are wall-like structures that contain the shorelines and prevent them from being eroded by water and ice. Classroom-BasedAssessment Classroom-based assessment is a cyclic process within everyday instruction and learning that encompasses ongoing planning, observing, scaffolding, responding and reflecting on learning and teaching to improve student learning. Coliforms Coliforms are a group of bacteria that live everywhere in our environment, including in our body. Condensation As water vapour rises, it cools and eventually condenses, usually on tiny particles of dust in the air. When air condenses it becomes a liquid again or turns directly into a solid (ice, hail, or snow). These water particles then collect and form clouds. ControlledVariables Controlled variables are the factors that will need to stay consistent. ConvectionCurrent Convection current is the transfer of heat through water. DependentVariable Dependent variable is the factor that you will measure or observe. Ecosystem An ecosystem is a community of living organisms that interacts/works with other living and non-living things within the environment they inhabit. The parts of an ecosystem include soil, atmosphere, heat and light from the sun, water, and living organisms. Eutrophication A process by which waters, soils, or habitats acquire a high concentration of nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates. Evaporation The process by which water changes state from a liquid to a gas. Gabions Gabions are rock-filled wire cages that are used to stablize the shore against erosion. Groundwater Groundwater is water held in cracks and pore spaces in the Earth’s upper crust. Depending on the geology, the groundwater can flow to support streams. Groundwater can also be tapped by wells. HeatCapacity Heat capacity is the ability of a substance to hold heat. IndependentVariable Independent variable is the factor that you can purposely change. Infiltration Infiltration is seeping of water through the ground. Nitrates Nitrogen is the main component of our atmosphere, and is also a necessary element for plant growth. Nitrogen is not used by plants in its gaseous form, but, rather, in the form of nitrates or ammonia. PH The pH of water is a measure indicating whether a body of water is acidic (e.g., vinegar), neutral, or alkaline (e.g., ammonia). Glossary 3 Phosphates Phosphorus is a nutrient that is found in water in the form of phosphates. It is present naturally in soils and rocks, but can also enter water sources because of human activity. Precipitation Precipitation in the form of rain, snow, and hail comes from clouds. Clouds move around the world, propelled by air currents. When clouds rise over mountain ranges, they cool, becoming so saturated with water that water begins to fall as rain, snow, or hail, depending on the temperature of the surrounding air. Rip-rap Rip-rap is the large rocks/boulders/ concrete blocks that are often piled along a shoreline so that it can better absorb the crash of the waves and withstand the eroding power of the water. TextSets A collection of oral, print, and other media texts related to a common element, topic, theme, inquiry, or type of text. Transpiration The process whereby water vapour is given off by plant leaves. Turbidity Turbidity is an indication of how clear or murky the water is. Watershed The area that drains into a single lake or river. WaterTable The water table is the depth/level of the Earth’s crust at which water will rise when an open well or pit is dug. SecchiDisk A Secchi disk is one device used to measure turbidity. StrategicTeaching Strategic Teaching means making deliberate, informed decisions about the best tools to use for each learning task and to reach each learning outcome of a curriculum, given the particular needs and characteristics of students. SurfaceRunoff Excessive rain or snowmelt produce overland flow or surface runoff to creeks and ditches. Runoff is also the visible flow of water in rivers, creeks, and lakes as the water stored in the basin drains out. SustainableDevelopment An approach to decision making that takes into consideration how the consequences of the decision will affect the environment, the economy, and the human health and wellbeing (social). 4 lake Winnipeg Water stewardship: a resource for Grade 8 science