Robyn Saunders
Marconi Link, 6th Mount Pearl Brownies
Newfoundland
Lake/Pond Study - Well, you could do pH readings on the
water, oxygen analysis (as eutrophicated water has varying levels
during the year depending on the algae blooms), nitrogen and
phosphate readings - again at the onset of algal blooms. You
could also do microbiology studies (coliforms should be abundant
due to fecal/sewage contamination of lake) but you may need some
supplies for that (m-Endo broth). It's really fun - I've done
field studies (ocean not freshwater) but as long as you have the
supplies or the chemical lab to analyze results the girls could
have a lot of fun!!!! Phytoplankton and zooplankton net samples
could be fun too (but best in the spring of the year). You would
need a microscope to see some cool shapes!!!
Stream Study - measure flow rate of the stream (put
something floatable in the water over a measured distance and
calculate rate per minute or second - whatever), plant flora
around the stream, fauna (pick up rocks in the stream and look
under them - a polluted stream will have a lot of leeches), and
at this time of the year there should be a lot of insect larvae
overwintering in the streams. It might be interesting to check
out what grows down under! I would suggest that you check the
stream before you take the girls so they don't get discouraged.
Finding things is more fun. You could do different parts of the
stream to do some comparisons. Have fun!!!! Oh, a fast flowing
stream may even have some freshwater sponges on the rocks (around
here they are whitish-cream and green).
Another thing - take a water sample one week - put it in light
for about a week and you will now have green water (algal
growth).
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