Environmental Education & Science

“Anybody see a pattern between pH and dissolved oxygen?” one student asks as he checks his worksheet.

“Nope… but wait till we start collecting specimens. Whatda ya wanna bet that we get the most insects where the DO is highest.”

Students put away their long plastic tubes, chemical test kits, and clipboards and begin to systematically collect, identify and record the insects and other invertebrates in Big Creek. Each new species brings excited squeals as friendly competition develops between groups.

Text books are full of facts about dissolved oxygen and turbidity. Internet-savvy students could probably find information online. But kids who, on the first warm day of springtime, are splashing in the creek, catching insects, snails and crayfish will not only remember the lessons, but also will develop an appreciation for the environment that will last a lifetime.