2nd Grade Jones Gap Field Study

We had a wonderful learning experience at Jones Gap!  Students explored the river and forest systems of the park.  They were able to use field guides for plant and animal identification, conduct several water quality tests, and understand the important interactions between the two habitats. Thanks to all our wonderfully behaved students and fantastic chaperons!

Introduction by Ranger Tim.

Making our own adaptation for better hearing.

On the trail.

Searching for Macro-invertebrates.

Testing river temperature.

Testing river turbidity.

Testing river pH.

A waterpenny under the microscope in the lab.

A stonefly nymph.

Turbidity

Today students considered another factor that may be causing problems for fish in Gray Area.  With logging an active business in the area, some of the rivers were looking a little dirty.  Students used secchi disks to determine the clarity, or turbidity, of the water in the various lakes and rivers in the area.  They then examined the sediment files to understand the effects of erosion and high levels of sediments on the organisms living there.

Plant material reducing erosion.

We also did some work in our data unit for math and students examined and evaluated different graphs and tables for recording survey results.  They also created questions that could and could not be answered from these graphs.  As we continue with graphing, students will be discovering effective survey questions and techniques and create their own survey tool to collect, represent, and analyze their data.

Second graders share some of their graph questions and students decide if it is answerable or unanswerable.

Second graders also prepared for their field study next week by looking at goals, expectation, and vocabulary for the trip!  Continue to practice our terms at this link!

Acid Rain Continued...

We've used our research skills to uncover the solution to our curious acid rain test results!  Although the rain over the entire Gray Area is acidic, only some of the waterways are unhealthy for fish due to pH.  Students found that part of the Gray Area has large amounts of limestone that neutralize the acid and make the water livable for fish.  They also discovered that the Gray area acid rain problem is largely cause by cars and trucks, clearing the Toy Factory as a prime suspect.  We also spent time discovering possible solutions to the acid rain problem.

Creativity was also a focus.  Students used originality and design thinking to develop a perfect hat to help our friends the Ats who are plagued by pesky gnats!  Take a look at some of their clever ideas!