Coldwater Elementary’s third grade students and teachers recently conducted scientific research in the CES Hickahala Creek Exploratorium. Deb Veeder, Adopt-A-Stream Director with Mississippi Wildlife Federation, furnished materials and supplies as well as conducted the classroom and field training.
Using the Enviroscape portable interactive environmental education model, Veeder demonstrated issues that affect the environment. The model allowed students to understand non-point source pollution (water pollution runoff) can get into our streams and other water resources.
In preparation for this day, students studied watershed facts and vocabulary in a daily workstation during their classroom routine. 3rd grade English-Language Arts teacher, Nicole Bacorn said, “After reading about watersheds and learning about the effects of pollution in waterways all week, students were able to apply terminology they had learned from their reading to the experience they were having. The application of their studies allowed students to create a concrete understanding of what they had read about which in turn builds new interests, background knowledge, and core memories that they will never forget.”
Following the classroom training, students went out to the Exploratorium to gather water samples from a large vernal pool. Students collected data on water temperature, pH, clarity, and dissolved oxygen levels. The water testing showed the vernal pools were at a healthy level to support aquatic life.
After chemically testing the water, the students used D-nets to survey for aquatic macroinvertebrates in the pool. They found scuds, mosquito larvae, midges and water beetles which are all normal for the area.
While working in the vernal pool, 3rd grade student Mariyah M. said, “I feel like a scientist!” 3rd grade math and science teacher, Todd Willis, said, “It does take a lot of work on our part as teachers, but it also takes state resources and local stakeholders to elevate this experience for our students. Students can apply math and science concepts when using knowledge as a tool in real life applications. Place based learning like today increases knowledge comprehension and retention. That’s why we do this!”
