Pollution and Freddie the Fish - Experiment

Students will learn about the affects of pollution on fish and waterways during this experiment. I will read a story about, "Freddie the Fish" to the class and, following along with the story, we will add pollutants to our pond where our fish is living. The fish will be a sponge (cut in the shape of a fish, if you'd like). Students will add pollutants such as syrup, green dyed water, paper, salt, coffee grounds, soil, raisins, and dish soap to simulate the different pollutants Freddie is exposed it (green water = fertilizer, dish soap = acid rain....etc.). Students will observe what happens to "Freddie" with each pollutant and we will discuss the end results. We will then share ideas on what we can do to help the environment.