South Middle School Sixth Grade Science Field Trip:

Watershed Science

In May, South’s sixth grade science students traveled to the Deer Creek Center and spent the day participating in the Siskiyou Field Institute’s Watershed Science program.  This program gives students a hands-on, inquiry based opportunity to investigate the Deer Creek watershed.  Students examined the topography, geology and ecosystems of both Deer Creek and Squaw Creek*. They also collected macroinvertebrates under the guidance of a US Forest Service fisheries biologist, learned basic water quality sampling, and worked on a service learning project.  Prior to the field trip, SFI Youth Education Instructors made a classroom visit to South Middle School to prepare students for educational fun in the field.

Field trip activities are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards.  To learn more about SFI’s educational programs, please visit their website: http://www.thesfi.org/Page.asp?NavID=663

What is a watershed?

Watersheds represent the interconnectedness of all places by water. Deer Creek and Squaw* Creek are sub-watersheds of the Illinois River Watershed. The geology, topography, biology and land use of these sites can affect the water quality found here. Students will test the water quality by compiling the data collected from temperature and pH tests. This will allow them to compare and contrast the two creeks.

The water quality in our creeks and streams can tell us about the health of our watershed. The water entering these creeks has traveled over land, dissolving substances and picking up sediment or larger debris, as it makes its way to a collection point. The temperature and pH of water are two main factors that affect the quality of life for aquatic plants and animals.  Geology, land use, and the distance of the sample site from the headwater source will affect the quality of the water we encounter.

The presence of macroinvertebrate species can provide us with a “snapshot” of the diversity within the Deer Creek sub-watershed. The presence, or lack, of macroinvertebrates helps us understand stream health. Stream health is an indicator of watershed health.   Each type of macroinvertebrate has different requirements for food, water temperature and oxygen levels.  Identifying which macroinvertebrates exist in creek waters will help us determine the quality of conditions in the creek and in the riparian habitat.

Based on information found on the SFI webpage:   http://www.thesfi.org/Page.asp?NavID=663