Friday, October 12, 2012
Citizen Scientists
Today the Bison went out in the field and collected data for a long-term statewide study of stream ecology. Students collected data regarding the amount of dissolved oxygen in the stream, turbidity, conductivity, temperature, pH, alkalinity, and the different types of macro-invertebrates. The data will be entered into a large data base that tracks stream health over the years and throughout the seasons. They also developed their own question for the stream which was: Is the temperature of a stream affected by stream bank vegetation? They concluded that data was insufficient because the streams were too different to accurately compare. It was a good day of data collection and gaining experience as a citizen scientists.
Game of Chumkah before we headed out for the day
Making observations about the stream
Miles and Grace getting ready to test dissolved oxygen
Carlos and Lydia testing pH and alkalinity
Carlos stirring up the stream to collect macro-invertebrates
Wolverines in Flat Creek (Part II)
I spent a glorious day with the Wolverines, investigating the water quality at two different places in Flat Creek. The photos posted earlier today (noon, local time) were from Smith's, while these were take from South Park (no, really. It's called South Park).
The Wolverines' hypothesis was that the optimal range for parameters determining good water quality would be more likely observed above ranch land (Smith's) than below (South Park). Their hypothesis was supported for two parameters (phosphates and conductivity) because, in the students'
estimation, the agricultural effects of humans and animals contaminated the water to some degree.
Afterwards, they skipped stones into the creek, cleaned the bus (stewardship!), and posed for an action shot in the golf cart.
Throughout the day, the Wolverines were engaged, focused, and inquisitive. I was very impressed by the
knowledge they shared, and the helpful way they supported each other in their tasks. Way to go, Wolverines!
The Wolverines' hypothesis was that the optimal range for parameters determining good water quality would be more likely observed above ranch land (Smith's) than below (South Park). Their hypothesis was supported for two parameters (phosphates and conductivity) because, in the students'
estimation, the agricultural effects of humans and animals contaminated the water to some degree.
Afterwards, they skipped stones into the creek, cleaned the bus (stewardship!), and posed for an action shot in the golf cart.
Throughout the day, the Wolverines were engaged, focused, and inquisitive. I was very impressed by the
knowledge they shared, and the helpful way they supported each other in their tasks. Way to go, Wolverines!
A most elevated luncheon
If Wotan were vacationing in Wyoming he might choose Vogel hill as a nice spot for a quick meal. Today, Anthony, Sarah H, Albert, Ava and Jason have paused here to build up strength for trail-carving.
Flat Creek with the Wolverines!
Gathering, identifying, and analyzing micro-invertebrates with kick nets in Flat Creek.
(Photo #1: Olivia and Sarah. #2: Jamie and Michael isolating micro-invertebrates. #3 Ben and Alice. #4: Alice amused at Ben's predicament. #5: Ben's boots breeched by 7 degrees Celsius water.)
(Photo #1: Olivia and Sarah. #2: Jamie and Michael isolating micro-invertebrates. #3 Ben and Alice. #4: Alice amused at Ben's predicament. #5: Ben's boots breeched by 7 degrees Celsius water.)
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