Scientists Take Trip Down River

Two boatloads of Crescent Heights students got a cool lesson in biology Wednesday. They rafted down the South Saskatchewan River on a chilly day doing science experiments.

"It's a good way to come out and get the information instead of reading from a textbook," said grade 9 teacher Donnalee Schorr.

The students collected water samples from the river and tested for phosphate and pH levels, as well as invertebrates like mayflies and worms. The worms are sensitive to pollution, Schorr said, so their presence shows the quality of the water is good.

At a break from paddling by the Maple Avenue Bridge, the students answered questions about their results. What did it teach them?

"We've learned about all the stuff that's in the river and what comes out of the river," said grade nine student Jennifer Jeffries.

The hands-on analysis helps the lessons sink in.

"In science you learn how to do it all, but it's different when you actually do it," said Carla Hatch, a grade nine student. "You get a better idea of what they're talking about."

The day began for the students at 8 a.m. at Kiwanis Park and ended several hours and 10 km downstream at the water treatment plant.

The trip was organized by the RiverWatch Program which operates through the Beyond Books Institute of Alberta, a non-profit education company.