Some time back we learned about benthic macroinvertebrates and how they can tell us about the health of a river. We went to the Huron river and collected samples of the benthic macroinvertebrates. It can be challenging to identify the different critters so I sought some professional help (sic).

The Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC)collects benthic macro invertebrates from the entire Huron river watershed. I attended their ID day where aquatic entimologistes help identify the invertebrate samples. Paul Steen is the watershed ecologist at the HRWC. Paul was kind enough to help me assemble a "library" of benthic macroinvertebrates.

Several of our students were uncomfortable with the standard method of collecting which includes putting the "bugs" in alcohol the kill and preserve them. My hope is that with a "library" of samples the killing step will not be necessary.

Here is a clip of Paul helping some of the voluenteers to identify samples.

How to vacuum pack a child

We were connecting a tiny video camera to a helium balloon and the a student asked what would happen if I let it go. The discussion was facinating and it became clear that we needed to cover atmospheric pressure.

In addition to a discussion their being a "sea" of air above us.  I wanted the students to feel the pressure all around them.  So during lunch break I have been bringing a shop vac and a large plastic garbage bag.

Before I would turn on the vacuum I had the child practice saying "stop" very loudly so that they knew I would stop if they felt frightened.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4