This lesson was provided by Andy Jackson, teacher and science supervisor for Harrisonburg Public Schools.
Overview- how this lesson fits into the overall science curriculum
6th grade science- Every student at Thomas Harrison Middle School spends a day in the field working with outdoor professionals from several different agencies learning about the science these professionals do in their jobs.
Life science Every student in Thomas Harrison Middle School spends a day on the South Fork Shenandoah River in McGaheysville, where the City of Harrsionburg owns a 35-acre site once used for generating hydroelectricity, and now planned for use as a water supply intake. It is covered in riparian woodlands that has been relatively undisturbed for the last 50 years. Students use GPS to record locations of key structures and trees at the site.
Earth science - Students monitor water flow through the school's storm water retention pond. Stormwater flows into this pond through two pipes. Students monitor flow rate and rainfall rate over the year and make observations as rain gardens are installed and mowing practices modified.
Environmental Science Students use GPS to document locations of water samples collected along Blacks Run our city's impaired stream. We have collected 10 months of fecal colliform data at 11 locations along the stream in cooperation with the DEQ, Eastern Mennonite University, and Eastern Mennonite High School. Students take this data and analyze it for trends in fecal populations using GIS.
SOL's Adressed
LS.4 Students will investigate and understand basic needs of organisms to carry out life processes. Key concepts include
a) plant needs (light, water, gases, and nutrients);
b) animal needs (food, water, gases, shelter, space); and
c) factors that influence life processes.
LS.7 Students will investigate and understand that organisms within an ecosystem are dependent on one another and on nonliving components of the environment. Key concepts include
a) the carbon, water, and nitrogen cycles;
b) interactions resulting in a flow of energy and matter throughout the system;
c) complex relationships within terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems; and
d) energy flow in food webs and energy pyramids.
LS.12 Students will investigate and understand the relationships between ecosystem dynamics and human activity. Key concepts include
a) food production and harvest;
b) change in habitat size, quality, or structure;
c) change in species competition;
d) population disturbances and factors that threaten or enhance species survival; and
e) environmental issues (water supply, air quality, energy production, and waste management).
Time needed
This is a culminating experience for life science classes. Each student will spend one day at the McGaheysville Dam site conducting science investigations and completing planned activities.
Materials needed
10 Garmin eTrex Legend GPS units
Tackle box for GPS units
Key pre-selected points at the McGaheysville dam site
o Water intake point in river
o Location of old dam
o Raft put-in point
o Raft take-out point
Cables, PCs with ArcView GIS, aerial photo of McGaheysville dam site (pre 2004)
Description of the Activity
GPS will be integrated into our tree ID unit. Trees locations will be entered as waypoints. Students will use the GPS to lead them to the tree for them to then identify.
When studets visit the Shenandoah River site they will have a 45 minute rafting experience, conduct water quality tests, and study how humans and rivers interact as they examine the old dam and the new water intake system. GPS units and GIS will be utilized to extend these experience. Students will use the GPS to record locations of important features of the site like the newly installed water intake point in the river and the remnants of the old dam. Students will upload these points to a pre-2004 aerial photograph of the site using ArcView GIS to get a sense of the changes that have taken place at this site and to see a birds eye view of the river journey they took.
Sample assessments
Student paper on the prompt of "Reflect on this section of the river's past, present, and future"
Extensions
Have students participate in projects designed to move the McGaheysville site closer to being a city park and education center. This could include working on site clean up day activities and presentations to city council.