Watersheds

Are you looking for project ideas?  One idea is Watersheds.  What is a watershed?  Start with The Watershed Sleuth Challenge by NEEF.  Next, Build a Watershed.  Crumpled Paper Watershed requires even fewer supplies.  Print and play this watershed game.  Now go outside and Observe a Stream.  Take a notebook.  Draw a sketch of the stream or pond.  Take photos.  Note the date and time.  Want more information?  Try Potomac Highlands Watershed eSchool.  (This resource guide is from their site.  Lick on the teacher’s door to locate lessons.).

Once you have an understanding of watersheds and have completed general observations of a stream, consider doing a stream study and identify macroinvertebrates.  What are they?  Aquatic Macroinvertebrates are generally insect larva.  The types of critters in the stream indicate how clean the water is.  Some insect larva are sensitive to poor water quality.  Other organisms such as worms and leeches are not sensitive.  Here is an example of a data sheet to measure the health of the stream. Do you want to test the chemical properties?  Lamotte Earth Force Kit is easy to use.  It’s low cost compared more extensive Water Quality Kits, which are $400-$500.  Instead measure the pH with strips and the temperature with a thermometer.  An armored thermometer is best for stream studies.

Watershed studies can include Riparian Buffers.  These are the green area along streams.  Planting along streams is a great project for kids.  If your kids are interested in field studies, the topics are endless.  Want more?  Look at GLOBE.