Huntington River in Review #ngss #fieldtrip

Last week, we visited the Huntington River at the Audubon Nature Center as part of our science unit about Interdependence and Organisms.  While at the river, groups of students completed three different activities.

At one station, students were working with Mrs. Ankerson to conduct a "BMI" (benthic macroinvertebrate) count of the Huntington River.  This required us to use our identification skills to determine which organisms we found in the river.  Photos of some of these organisms are in the slideshow.

At another station, students played a game with Mrs. Ayer to learn about the food chain within the Lake Champlain Basin.  Students were either algae, macroinvertebrates, or yellow perch.  During the game, students also learned about ways that the watershed can get polluted.  Some examples of pollution include dog poop, cow manure, road runoff, oil, etc.  We'll revisit this topic again later.

Finally, with Miss Darby, students spent time observing the environment in two ways.  First, they used their senses (sight, sound, touch, smell) and took notes of their observations.  Then, they drew a scientific drawing (accurately detailed with labels) of their surroundings.

A huge thanks to the Audubon for allowing us the opportunity to use their land for our field experience!  (Donations to the Audubon would be greatly appreciated!)