Acid Rain Continued...

After collecting our data on the pH of the bodies of water in the Gray Area, this week students focused on making sense of the numbers.  They looked at the "Acid Rain Files" a collection of research and evidence about the problem and looked at the statements of the factory owners in the area.  Students came to the conclusion that limestone is neutralizing most of the acid rain, but the high acidity of one particular granite-based river could still be the problem for fish.

We also broke ground on our expert card project for our field study and did some group analysis of our Listening to Crickets reading.

Acid Rain

Today students looked at acid rain as the possible culprit in the case of the dying fish of Gray Area. They tested the acidity of the Gray Area rain and also that of the different bodies of water in the area. We found some interesting results.  Next week we will learn more about acid rain and consult with our next suspect, the owner of the toy factory, to try to make sense of our findings.

We also continued our novel study of Listening to Crickets, and began research on the student selected plants and animals of Jones Gap to prepare our expert cards for the field study.

Field Study to the Richland County Judicial Center

We had a fantastic time observing the trial of Mr. Sticky Fingers and the case of the stolen cell phone. Students got to hear opening statements, observe evidence and witness testimonies from both the prosecution and defense, and take part in the the final verdict.  The beautiful day and outdoor lunch were a hit as well!

Systems Presentations and Bio-Indicators

We started our day with some awesome Systems Project Presentations!  I am really proud of the products that were shared!  It has been great for the presenters as well as the audience to practice systems thinking and see the examples that are being shown.

We didn't neglect our Gray Area investigation.  Students reflected on our last time together and compared a river to the report card of it's watershed. They role-played a reenactment of a meeting of the Gray Area Board of Supervisors where our suspect, the owner of the water slide, was consulted and shared results from chlorine tests conducted down the river from his business.  Students took a closer look at the results, performed a bio-assessment of their own on a macro-invertebrate called daphnia to check the more long term effects of chlorine on the area, and examined some secret documents that provided further clues.

We also read the second chapter of Listening to Crickets, our novel study about environmentalist Rachel Carson.  We are learning from her example and identifying Habits of Mind that Rachel used to find success in her field.