Earlier this summer the Education program reached out once again to a group of students in the Mike Hauser Academy in Healdsburg. The Mike Hauser Academy brings together students, businesses, and teachers to empower our future workforce of leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This three-week summer school program provides incoming 9th grade English Language Learner students and students who could benefit from extra math and science support the opportunity to visit STEM-related organizations. At these organizations, the students interact with engineers and professionals to observe demonstrations and participate in hands-on activities to see how classroom lessons apply to STEM occupations and operations.
Russian Riverkeeper engaged with students for two days. During our time together, we taught them some field biology and water quality best testing practices. We focused on having students use math and science to solve problems together.
We started with the students in their summer classroom at Healdsburg High School, looking at the various ways to collect rainwater during storm events. Together we measured a big roof area designed to drain into underground culverts straight into a creek and towards the Russian River during rain events. From there, we calculated the size of bioswale needed to help treat the stormwater runoff to prevent it from polluting the creek and the Russian River.
On our second day together, students were transported to Badger Park, where we walked to the river beach. We discussed various ways to measure stream flow, talked about the importance of water quality and how to measure it, performed a trash cleanup, and, of course, got our feet wet. We conducted a macroinvertebrate study of the river bottom and collected valuable data for our bigger study of the Russian River system. Macroinvertebrates are creatures such as larvae of flies, worms, crustaceans, leeches, and beetles. The Macroinvertebrates collection helped us to determine the water quality.
The students really enjoyed our trip to the river and investigating this hidden ecosystem in the gravel bottom, which is the base of the food chain. They were amazed by the diversity of life down there! It was such a joy to watch these young people enjoying the feel of the river water while their curious minds processed the tasks at hand. There were smiles all around, and it is safe to say that we helped create new river stewards!