"OK, record your turbidity and dissolved
oxygen data for each site. Then you can get the aquatic nets," the
instructor tells fifth grade students.
"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.
These same students grow up to become land owners and
decision-makers if Door County. |
Currently:
- Field trips for
school groups
- Naturalist hikes and
programs
- Reforestation
projects
- Prairie projects
- Water Resource
Education Center
- Septic System
Demonstration Project
- Public lecture series
- Adult education
classes
- Youth programs for
scouts, etc.
- Radio commentary and
newspaper articles on nature
- Speakers for groups
- Lecture hall for
other science and environmental groups
Future Plans:
- Conduct a
Biodiversity study
- Develop the
greenhouse
- Establish youth
mentoring program with retired science professionals
- Sponsor
teacher-training seminars
- Sponsor adult
workshops
- Sponsor a summer
science academy for gifted students
|
