Class Project - Healthy vs. Unhealthy Stream Model

As part of our Columbia River Gorge studies, students have been working on visual models of healthy and unhealthy streams.  We have been discussing categories of streams that involve levels of toxic chemicals, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and bacteria.  In the photos below, students are creating elements of healthy and unhealthy streams such as the Riparian Corridor, riffles, dissolved oxygen, pipes, dams, factories, and roads.  Ask your child for more details on how these elements affect the stream!

Classroom Events

October 19 - Our salmon eggs arrived from the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife!  This is an exciting chance to experience the salmon life cycle in our own classroom and our entire class is enthralled with the project.  More updates will follow.

October 21 - Five volunteer students from our classroom presented their Salmon Life Cycle Banners and Salmon Song to the Board of Directors.  It took an amazing amount of courage to speak in front of approximately 30 people.  They did an amazing job!  

October 27 and 28  - Conferences are an opportunity for your child to share what they have accomplished so far and their goals for the school year.  Please contact me if you need to schedule/re-schedule a conference time.  Otherwise, I'll see you in a few days!

October 28 - An expert from the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership will be visiting our classroom.  The purpose of the visit is to further delve into issues relating to healthy streams and stream tables.  Check out www.lcrep.org for more info on LCREP's mission statement and philosophies.

November 2 - Picture Re-take Day for Charter Classrooms

November 3 - Wild Salmon vs. Hatchery Salmon Field Study.  Our class will join our buddies  (Mrs. Dunton's class) on a study of the differences and similarities between native, wild salmon and salmon raised in a fish hatchery.  This will be a 1/2 day trip (8 am - 12:30 pm) as we visit Bonneville Hatchery and a nearby stream.  Permission Slip forms will be coming home soon.  Let me know if you are interested in being a chaperone.  However, only four (4) adults will be selected, so please do not make permanent plans until you hear from me.  Thanks!

Salmon Watch Field Study - 10/20

Our field study today was a tremendous opportunity to extend our classroom into our own backyard --- Eagle Creek. The Freshwater Trust provided all the equipment and four expert scientists to help us  investigate whether Eagle Creek is a healthy or unhealthy stream. We tested the water quality, identified macroinvertebrates, viewed spawning salmon and explored the Riparian Corridor of the stream. Our investigations showed that Eagle Creek is indeed healthy...and we had a tremendous amount of fun proving it!

Searching for macroinvertebrates in the stream.

Angelo and Brandon testing the amount of dissolved oxygen.

 

Alexia found an encased caddis!

Salmon eggs we discovered along the Riparian Corridor.

 

Passing time as we waited for the last group to join us.

"Really? I have to take my boots off and go home already?!"

Field Trip - 10/8

We will visit Wahkeena Creek on Thursday, October 8th. We leave the school at 10:00 am and return for lunch at 12:30. The purpose of this field trip is to observe the characteristics of a local stream and identify native plants. Your child should wear clothing that is suitable for inclement weather. If possible, please send waterproof boots/shoes.

Three chaperones will be needed for this trip. Adults who are knowledgeable about plant identification and the attributes of a healthy stream would be especially appreciated! Just fill out the field trip permission slip form and return it with your child.

Thanks!