Ward's® Engage Who's Killing Crystal Creek? IBL Case

In this inquiry-based learning case, students are part of the fictional town of Crystal, which has a local creek that has become so polluted, it is poisoning those who swim or eat local fish. Students attempt to solve the burning question: who is responsible for polluting the creek?

Students are part of the fictional town of Crystal. The local creek, which is used for recreational swimming and fishing, has become heavily polluted, causing recreational users to fall ill. Utilizing various water testing activities, and analyzing local invertebrate populations, students act as investigators to determine what happened and who is responsible.

This inquiry-based learning (IBL) case is part of a series of lab activities developed in partnership with the Center of Excellence for Research, Teaching and Learning at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. It includes free access to a comprehensive professional development module available through Ward's to learn how to teach IBL cases. Cases can be tailored to your needs: cover from 5 to 7 class periods up to 11 to 15 class periods. Cases can also be customized to include all scenarios and deliverables, or jump straight to the hands-on activities; it's up to you!