HRWC offers stream-side and in-school programming to engage students in learning about water quality and protecting the watershed. Hands-on, small group activities teach water quality testing and issues that impact our streams. Students learn specific actions that families can take to protect the Huron.
Field activities and in-class projects for Elementary – High Schools
| Activity | Description |
| Benthic Macroinvertebrates Collection | HRWC volunteers collect materials from the stream. Students collect and sort insect larvae and other small creatures. |
| Benthic Macroinvertebrates Identification | Students sort and identify benthic macroinvertebrates. Appropriate for classroom and streamside visits. |
| Conductivity | Using conductivity meter, students measure the conductivity of local water samples. Appropriate for classroom and streamside visits. |
| Dissolved Oxygen | Students use a chemical indicator test to measure the amount of dissolved oxygen in local water samples. Best for secondary students. |
| Nitrates | Students use a chemical indicator to measure the amount of nitrates in local water samples. Best for secondary students. Appropriate for classroom and streamside visits. |
| pH | Students use a pH kit to measure the pH of local water samples. Appropriate for classroom and streamside visits. |
| Phosphate | Students use a spectrophotometer to test for phosphate in local water samples. Best for secondary students. Appropriate for classroom and streamside visits. |
| Stream Discharge | Students measure stream speed across a transect, then calculate discharge. Some students enter the stream. Best for secondary students. |
| Stream Erosion | Students perform experiments to see how variables of slope, amount and pulse affect erosion. Appropriate for classroom and streamside visits. |
| Stream Speed | Students measure the speed of the stream. |
| Streams as Homes | Students observe and discuss the variety of habitats in the stream. |
| Temperature | Students use alcohol thermometers to measure the temperature of the stream. |
| Turbidity | Students use a turbidity tube to measure the relative amount of sediment in the stream. |
Want to get involved?
To arrange for a program of activities matched to your students’ age and interests, or to volunteer to help with the stream-side or classroom activities, contact Jason Frenzel, HRWC Volunteer Coordinator at jfrenzel@hrwc.org or 734-769-5123 x600.