Education Program

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.
pH	Students use a pH kit to measure the pH of local water samples.  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.