LESSON 2 Activity 4

Stream Field Trip

Grades:

4th - 12th

Objective:

Gives students the opportunity to see in nature what they have been learning about in the classroom.

Method:

Transport students to a real stream to see living macroinvertebrates and collect water quality data.

Materials:

Boots (or old shoes), change of clothes.
Clipboards with: data sheets (Physical/Chemical, Biological, Wind Scale), pencil, insect identification key (Page 1 and Page 2).
Thermometer, measuring tape (or cord marked every meter), meter stick, seine or D-net, shallow containers for macroinvertebrates, dissolved oxygen test kit, pH test kit.
Optional Data Sheets: Total Flow, Habitat Survey

Permission Slip
Volunteer Slip


NYSDEC requires a permit to collect aquatic invertebrates. Call The Catskill Center Director of Education for info at (914) 586-2611.

Time:

Field Trip: allow 60 to 90 minutes at the stream.

Procedure:

Note: Before beginning, the teacher should carefully read Lesson 2 Summary and complete Activities 1, 2, and 3.

  1. Collect supplies needed for field trip. Visit the stream ahead of time to make sure it is safe and that there is room for your class to split into three groups along the stream bank. Note that heavy rain or rapid snowmelt can raise the water level overnight.

  2. Send a note home with students saying what they should bring: waterproof boots or a pair of old shoes they can get wet, a change of clothes, and warm clothing even if it is a nice day. Invite parents to help with the field trip.

  3. Before leaving, review basic safety rules such as listening, taking turns, and respect for others. Students must agree to these rules before going to the stream.

  4. Divide students into about three groups (about 7 per group), one for each educator. A parent volunteer may lead a group if the parent is familiar with Streamwatch procedures and good with children.

  5. Station each group at a predesignated spot along the stream.

  6. The group leader should assign tasks to individual students to insure completion of the data sheets. Sometimes we complete the physical & chemical data sheet before allowing all of the students into the stream to collect invertebrates. Other times this data sheet is completed by selected students while others are collecting. Choose the method that you feel will work best with your group.

  7. Watch for kids getting too wet, especially in chilly weather. If there is a safety concern, have these individuals stay out of the water.

  8. Allow time for students to return to the school and, if necessary, change their clothes.

  9. To wrap up the field trip, have each group choose a representative to report to the class.

  10. Compile the data from each group onto a single data sheet and send a copy to The Catskill Center to be shared with other schools.

Assessment:

Completeness and accuracy of data sheets can be used to assess student participation and skills. Also observe student participation in field activities.

NYS Learning Standards:

English
Standard 1 - Language for Information and Understanding: Listening and Reading

Math, Science, and Technology
Standard 3 - Mathematics: Measurement; Uncertainty
Standard 4 - Science: Physical Setting 2; The Living Environment 1,3,6,7
Standard 6 - Interconnectedness: Magnitude and Scale
Standard 7 - Interdisciplinary Problem Solving: Connections; Strategies


Source: Activity devloped by Nathan Chronister and Aaron Bennett.