November 29, 2007, Yarmouth, Maine: How much do you know about the Royal River? Turns out, it is an amazing ecosystem. For four days in October, North Yarmouth Academy (NYA) Science Teacher Danielle Barschdorf’s seventh grade Earth Science class got a close-up look. They headed out to the Royal River in Yarmouth (dressed in waders) to collect samples of the water and the animals that live there. The students surveyed the Royal River using hands-on field science techniques. They brought their samples back to the classroom, where they studied the data they collected (water, fish, macroinvertebrates), conducted research, and prepared to present their results to the public.
Barschdorf spent part of her summer in Montana and Texas taking a "Conservation Across Boundaries" course that used hands-on field work designed for science teachers who are interested in integrating natural resource conservation into their classroom curricula. "The course taught me hands-on field collection techniques that I was able to share with my students," said Barschdorf. "The Royal River Project was a great experience for the students. We all learned a great deal about the river and the various collection techniques."
The students illustrated their findings on Wednesday, November 28, 2007, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Priscilla Savage Middle School Community Room. Presentations included findings on water quality and turbidity, a field guide of the fishes and macroinvertebrates of the river, how to catch fish in a seine net, and much more. This program was open to the public.
North Yarmouth Academy is an independent, college preparatory, coeducational day school serving students in grades 6 through 12. NYA is dedicated to fostering integrity, character and intellect in young adults. For more information, please contact NYA at 207-846-2380 ext. 9327.