Issue 3

By Matthew McKeon

Environmental Science students made a splash in ecology as they explored Walnut Creek looking for aquatic life.

Students in Mr. Cvetanovich’s and Mrs. Fletcher’s environmental science classes explored Walnut Creek near the historic Bergstresser Dietz Covered Bridge at the James H. Kelly III Nature Preserve. With nets and buckets in hand, students waded through the creek in search of a variety of wildlife. The goal was to evaluate the environmental status of the creek.

Students sought out a variety of aquatic life including mayflies, caddisflies, and freshwater mussels.“They are looking for different organisms in the creek, to determine how healthy Walnut creek is,” said Mrs. Fletcher.

The task was to collect and document different types of invertebrates in an effort to gauge how healthy the creek was. A large variety of aquatic invertebrates. would allow students to conclude that the ecosystem was balanced and healthy.

The group was led by Megan Michael, an environmental specialist from the Ohio Department of Transportation. Michael gave a brief lecture to the classes about different types of life found around and in Ohio waterways before leading the kids down to the creek. Michael helped identify and explain different types of organisms that the students discovered. Michael helped students identify Mayfly and Caddisfly larva underneath pieces of shale in the creek. At the end of the day students were able to conclude that the creek and ecosystem were healthy.

Students were able to collaborate and communicate as they attempted to judge the water quality and environmental health of the creek. Students also engaged in critical thinking and creativity as they attempted to identify the many different animals they discovered they had discovered.

This project was an exciting learning environment for students that provided them with an enriching, hands on, learning experience.