St Emilies Investigate
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- Last Updated on Friday, 30 November 2012 10:26
Two classes of Year 6’s at St Emilies Catholic Primary in Canning Vale have been using a small wetland a few minutes walk from the school as the focus of their Term 3 Science investigation.
This year in science, we have been learning about wetlands. We have conducted an investigation on the quality of Cromarty Gardens Reserve to inform the residents on its condition. We have recorded information that we collected from our various excursions to decide if Cromarty Gardens Reserve is healthy, clean and lively. Before we had no idea what lied beneath the surface of all the water and mud. Now we have the answers! Maddy
Year 6's do the Site survey at Crommarty Gardens
Mrs Cogger, the Science specialist teacher, organised three visits to the wetland to do the:
-Site survey
-Water quality testing
-Macroinvertebrates sampling (with SERCUL)
On the 6th of September it was cold, cloudy and moderately windy. There was lots of flora and the water looked brown and green because of the mud on the bottom. When the water was taken out for sampling it was clear. There was some littler but it wasn’t a major concern. The waterway quality was overall fresh and clear. The temperature was 17°C and 16°C. The pH level was 7.2 and 7.1 which meant the water was normal. The salinity was 0.6 for both samples which meant it was fresh. The turbidity was -10 for both samples which meant the water was clear not cloudy. Wabi
As part of the Scientists in Schools program Dr Rowena Long from UWA has been working with the students. Dr Long attended one excursion to take way points with a GPS to create a Google Map of the sampling sites.
The students made some very interesting findings and recommendations, such as:
Although the current water quality at Cromarty Gardens is clean and suitable for water activities and wildlife to live in, if the amount of pollutions such as rubbish and dog poo continue to increase and not controlled, in no time the water will become polluted and not suitable for wildlife…..People in the community should be educated and reminded with prominent signage around Crommarty Gardens about littering and picking up dog poo, Council should look at this too. At this point in time, perhaps a big clean up event could be organised with the help of the residents on Crommarty Gardens. Denise
Students also created a brochure about the wetland to distribute to nearby residents.
Ribbons of Blue would like to congratulate Kerrie Cogger and the Year 6 students on a great investigation. We’d also love to hear about any activities schools have been doing at their local wetlands or rivers.
