Environmental Science students test pond water
 The water in the ponds on LCHS grounds is healthy, according to Environmental Science students who performed water quality testing as part of a class activity on Tuesday, Sept. 28.
With the help of a kayak, beakers, and some measurement equipment, Dave Auston's classes
tested the water's temperature as well as ph, dissolved oxygen, and phosphate levels. Most of the tests showed that the ponds are healthy according to Illinois standards, except for the dissolved oxygen level, which was slightly low, probably because of a problem with one of the measuring tools, Auston said.
The activity was part of the class' water quality unit. When a pond is healthy, it means that the water can support life and keep the population levels of the various organisms that live in the water at healthy levels, too.
Students had to secure parental permission before they were allowed to float in the kayak with a life vest; this allowed students to test different spots of the pond instead of just the periphery. Auston said it's important to extend the discussion of water quality beyond the classroom and for students to test water that they see on a daily basis. Even students who did not ride in the kayak had a fun learning experience. |
