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| An
environmental science student keeps an eye out
for fish while conducting field research on the
Schoharie River. |
Oct. 29, 2009—Equipped with
nets, testing equipment and waterproof clothing, Duanesburg
high school students waded into the Schoharie River on a
beautiful fall day in October.
As part of the seventh
annual “Snapshot Day,” sponsored by the Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC), environmental science
students engaged in hands-on research on the physical and
chemical parameters of the river.
Specifically, students investigated the temperature and ph-levels
of the water and the concentration of key chemical
components, such as dissolved oxygen, nitrate,
orthophosphate and turbidity.
"It's always wonderful when
students have a chance to get hands-on experience outside of
the classroom," said Marcy McKinley, the science teacher who
facilitated the trip. "In this case they participated in a
project with many other community groups and they will be
able to compare their data to that collected by last year's
class."
School board member and
Schoharie River Center's Director of Education and Outreach
Programs John McKeeby and environmental chemist Joan Flester
were also on-site. They providing access to testing
equipment, shared their expertise and described potential
career paths in the environmental industry.
The event was originally designed to celebrate the Hudson
River Estuary, as well as educate participants on the
uniqueness of the estuary as part of National Estuaries
Week. |
