According to NOAA, water quality is a complex issue, impacted by pollution, weather, tides, human activities, and many other factors. In the Keys, threats to water quality are categorized as local, regional, or global in nature. Local threats are issues like stormwater runoff, wastewater, organic debris, sedimentation, and harmful vessel discharges.  

The CES has been conducting a stream study for Waco Elementary 4th graders for around 15 years to help students realize their impact on our local water ways. The CES teaches the stream study by hands on field trip to a local stream. However, before we get into the stream, the CES educates the students through helping them identify macro invertebrates. Showing students live and preserved specimens and quizzing them. The CES also has water proof guides for the students to use. 
The CES also works with the local FFA chapter Envirothon Team and has high schools members attend to help guide groups while in the stream. Throughout the day, the students collect macro invertebrates and after identifying them, we collect the data and use the mathematical formula to calculate whether the stream is poor, fair, good, or excellent. 
Throughout the 15 years of using the same stream, we have seen many changes with the stream structure and even the surrounding land. This year the stream calculated to be excellent with the students finding a lot of biodiversity. 
The stream study conclusion, also provides a lesson on how we has humans can have a positive or negative effect on our local ecosystems. It provides a lesson on ways we can reduce our impact and become an active voice in preserving ecosystems. 
All the students were able to collect macro invertebrates and 100% did a great job in identifying these aquatic insects. By a show of hands, 100% said they would be more mindful in the future about their impact on our local ecosystems.