While monitoring the Potomac or Anacostia Rivers is a wonderful experience, this is more than likely not the closest body of water to your school. Monitor local streams and creeks.
How will you access the water?Several of our streams and creeks have steep bank drop offs that are treacherous for teachers and students to navigate to reach the water’s edge. Additionally, sliding down these stream banks adds to its erosion. Poison ivy is a common plant in this area and will often be found in areas where you are testing. Is there an ivy-free path to the water? Be sure that there is a safe pathway to the water’s edge.
How are you getting there?However you plan on arriving at your monitoring spot, secure your transportation in advance. Foot, van, bus and parent’s car are all options!
If you are taking a bus, is there a parking lot large enough for the bus to turn around in?Buses need lots of space to maneuver, so be sure that there is adequate space.
Adult to Child RatioThere should be one adult per four or five children. Be sure to ask parents and guardians, teacher aids, school administrators (principals, vice principals, librarians, etc) and local watershed groups (ask Jen for details) to go. Adults are expected to participate in the program. Students will be reading directions, collecting water and the adult needs to facilitate this.
TimingTesting for one parameter can take between seven and ten minutes. If each group is only conducting one test, be sure to have the next activity ready for when they finish.
Data SheetsEach group will need a clipboard, a pencil/pen and a data sheet to record their findings. Data sheets are available in the Virginia Waterways curriculum.
Before You Go:Have the students practice with the test kits in school. Let them become familiar with the tests and their directions. Where are the 5ml and 10ml lines on the test tubes? How many test tabs does the test require? Each of these questions will be easily mastered in the classroom!
Students should work in the same groups in the classroom as they will be when monitoring. I suggest that each group specialize in one or two tests. This will allow them to focus on the details of their test(s) and the impacts that their parameter has on the water. Practice ahead of time saves confusion and mistakes in the field!
Finally – ask Jen.My job is to help support you throughout your Earth Force project. Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions.