The objective of the field studies at both the Oxbow Pond and the Coquitlam river was to study the invertebrates that lived in the water, and how it indicated the water quality of the pond and river. The spheres we looked at were the hydro and biosphere, and how they connected to our spheres unit.
We concluded that the according to the stuff we found in the river (Stonefly, riffle beetles, and dragonfly nymphs’) classified the river as GOOD, rated at about 79, which falls in the 71-90 bracket that decides whether or not the quality is good. We were also able to find the water quality using sampling kits. Here are our results:
pH level: 6
Nitrates: 10 ppm
Phosphates: 0.4
Dissolved Oxygen: 92
Turbidity: 2
Dissolved Salts: 72
What does this mean? It means that the river is capable of supporting life and has a healthy environment.
At the Oxbow pond, we found stonefly, fish (at larvae stage), and a stick bug, and my group was able to find some tadpoles. The water quality was a 70.99, which meant it was Average (51-70)
Here is the water samples:
pH level: 6.5
Nitrates: 10 ppm
Phosphates: 5
Dissolved oxygen: 90
Turbidity: 8
Dissolved salts: 100
That means the water may not be as diverse in life as the river, but still capable of being a safe habitat for invertebrates.
Now, comparing the 2 water sample data easily indicated that the river was a more pleasing place to live than the pond, because it had better quality. Another reason: a pond, like the one behind the school, is filled with stagnant water, which means the water does not go anywhere. Things like chemicals and waste may get into this water with no way of getting out of it. The river, rather, has fast, flowing water that is less vulnerable to things like human intervention as all the water ends up somewhere else.
I enjoyed this unit because it helped me understand how intricate you need to be in each and every area of science. Measurements, field sampling, and gathering data all have special steps that you should follow strictly or else things could end badly, like falling into the river while wading, or messing up data. Something that would make this activity stand out and become more meaningful is being able to go somewhere off property as a class, and collect samples from there. I think it would be a great experience, but I can’t think much further than that. If we were to go anywhere it would probably need to have a good reason or be a special place.
One of the finds at the river
Another find
2 More invertebrates
And a classmate entering the pond to collect some samples.