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Probing for answers - Teachers explored a variety of ways in which Vernier probes could be used to test for pollutants in sea water.
Vital Statistics
The first activity of the day was the water testing and sampling which took place on the Tabor Academy docks.
Participants climbed aboard a stationary raft to collect water samples from the harbor. Once the samples were collected, they conducted a variety of chemical tests to determine the water quality of the harbor.
At the first station George Duane demonstrated how to test for levels of dissolved oxygen.
The second station used a bottom grab device to sample the mud. Once the mud was brought up to the dock it was put in a bucket with a screened bottom. This method was used to separate larger particles from the silt. Once the silt was cleared away small bivalve seeds could be seen. These tiny organisms including quohogs and soft shelled clams.
A third station was set up which employed a secci disk to determine the turbidity or translucency of the water.
Richard Harlow provided instruction and ideas on how to involve students in the classroom and field.
Participants collected, pressed, and identified a variety of algaes collected from Marion Harbor. Afterward they built plant presses to preserve samples which were taken from the local waters.
Richard then took the teachers to the intertidal zone and explained the differences between the various seweeds and how they have adapted to differing marine conditions.
Some of the teachers had used presses in their classes before, nevertheless, they enjoyed building them and planned to use them as instructional tools in the future.
It's an art - A teacher prepares a seaweed sample for pressing.
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