Look What We Have Been Doing!
Academic Year 2011-2012
Field Trips
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Classroom Activities
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- Walter Strom Middle School Science Students Practice Water Testing Techniques, Oct. 2011
Under the guidance of WATERS fellow Sara Healas and classroom teacher, Dale Sweet, 6th grade science students at Walter Strom Middle School learned how to test four parameters of water using several different techniques. Students used litmus paper and probes to test pH, flow rate meters to check water flow rates from three different sinks, dissolved oxygen probes to check for dissolved oxygen, and thermometers and temperature probes to check water temperature. This was practice for an upcoming local field trip to Crystal Creek where they will use these techniques in nature.
- Selah Junior High Science Students Experiment with Stream Tables, Sept. 2011
In the ninth grade science classroom at Selah Junior High, WATERS fellow Kelsey Johnson, in combination with classroom teacher Michael Lasater, introduced a stream table activity as part of an ongoing unit about the local Yakima Watershed. Stream tables were designed to include mountains, a riverbed, a lake area, a beach, and the ocean. Students hypothesized about where the watershed begins and where water collects in the watershed. Students tested their hypotheses by pouring water into the stream tables and making observations. The activity was concluded with a discussion about the water cycle.
Academic Year 2010-2011
Field Trips
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- Morgan Middle School's Reecer Creek Field Trip, June 2011
In collaboration with Mid Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group, WATERS fellow Jamie Sheahan took Morgan Middle School 6th graders on a great fieldtrip to visit the Reecer Creek Restoration project at Irene Rinehart park in Ellensburg. Students measured stream parameters like depth and velocity, searched for flood evidence, learned about the restoration project, and even helped plant some seedlings! It was a great opportunity for students to invest in and learn about restoration happening in their own backyard!
- Harrah Elementary Ecosystem Field Trip, May 2011, pic. 1
Harrah Elementary Ecosystem Field Trip, May 2011, pic. 2Fifth grade teacher, Dan Estock, and his graduate fellow, Dale Jansons, took their class out for a fun and sunny fieldtrip to explore some local ecosystems and get acquainted with some awesome birds! The first stop was to a local pond ecosystem where students, with their chaperones, were allowed to explore the ecosystem. Students were provided with a "scavenger hunt" list of items to look for, but were allowed to explore anything that caught their eye. It was an exciting time of pure exploration and inquiry! The next stop was the Yakima Area Arboretum where they were provided with exploration backpacks and allowed to explore the entire arboretum as guided by an ecosystem map. The last stop was the Raptor House Rehabilitation Center in Yakima where they learned about falconry and local falcon species. A couple of lucky students had the chance to help fly the falcons.
- SOURCE, May 2011 (Symposium On University Research and Creative Expression)
SOURCE is a university-wide forum that showcases all genres of scholarly work by CWU students, faculty, and staff. WATERS K-12 students take part in this university event annually. It's an excellent experience for students and teachers, as well as CWU WATERS folks.
- Morgan Middle School CWU Geography Field Trip, April 2011
WATERS Fellow, Jamie Sheahan, and teacher Liz Zentner took their second semester classes of 6th grade science students to CWU for a Geography Day Fieldtrip! Students participated in three stations during the afternoon: a GPS scavenger hunt, including a tour of the CWU greenhouse; introduction to GIS; and learning about stereoscopes and airphotos, lead by CWU geography professor, Dr. Jennifer Lipton.
- BioBlitz, April 2011
Cle Elum's Walter Strom Middle School conducted it's 2nd annual BioBlitz, which gives all students at the middle school a chance to head outdoors to designated plots and collect a variety of data including soil, flora and fauna, as well as collect detailed observational data. University scientists were available to help students identify plants and other interesting features of their plots. University watershed club students were also on hand and highly trained to help organize each plot and ensure correct measurements.
- Ellensburg High School Snoqualmie Pass Field Trip, March 2011
A self-selected crew of Ellensburg High School 9th graders participated in the annual snow fieldtrip to Snoqualmie Pass in March this year. They dug snow pits under the guidance and supervision of WATERS fellow, Matt Jenkins, teacher Roger Hume, and John Stimberis with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Using these snow pits, students were able to measure the snow density, layer depths, and other parameters which detail the snowfall history of the season. We had wonderful weather and student worked hard to dig all the way to the ground! Matt helped students analyze and interpret the snow data from this year and they presented their findings at CWU SOURCE (see SOURCE field trip above).
- Quinzhee (Snow Hut) Construction, Winter 2011
As part of learning about the biology of winter, Walter Strom Middle School students went outside in their school yard in Cle Elum to build quinzhees, also known as "snow huts". WATERS fellow, Amber Palmeri-Miles and her teachers, Trish Griswold and Lisa Browitt conducted this activity to be sure everyone had a safe and fun time!
Classroom Activities
Click the link for each activity listed below to see photos