Where to start? Start with a Cub Scout or Girl Scout patch. Try Potomac Highlands Watershed eSchool. (Click on the door to access the activities.)
For years, my students did a variety of watershed activities and projects: plant trees, install a green roof, build raised beds, bioswales, and rain gardens. Here’s what I learned. Let the kids lead. Try simple activities first: Color Me a Watershed, Crumpled Paper Watershed, or Build a Watershed.
Trouts Unlimited has an excellent education guide for monitoring a riparian buffer along a creek or stream. The guide has a macroinvertebrate identification key; clean streams have a wide variety of insect larvae. The greater the number and variety of larvae, the cleaner the stream. The macroinvertebrate key helps to identify different insect larvae.
I like to test water quality. These test strips are quick, easy, and accurate. This kit is pricier but has a bit more science. If you plan to do stream tests, bring an armored thermometer. Attach the thermometer to your wrist with a rubber band so it doesn’t fall in the stream. Bring pH strips to test the pH of the water. In fact, the basic equipment includes a bucket, net, thermometer, ice cubes trays, forceps or tweezers, and a hand lens or magnifying glass. This guide explains how to catch macroinvertebrates and sort them in a tray. White ice cube trays are perfect for sorting.
Don’t be overwhelmed. Look at some of these ideas and decide if a big project like Watersheds might be a way to incorporate loads of science.
Here is another blog with information.
Here is another blog with information.
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