Down To Earth 
Specialists in Education, Leadership & Training

Phone: 905 - 627- 3140  
Fax:     905 - 627- 8100 

 

Source To Mouth

Secondary School Aquatic Study

Grades: Senior 
(Grade 11 to OAC)

Background: A watershed is a complex environmental system. All aspects of it are interdependent and interrelated. Any changes we make to this system on the land or in the water, or in the air, will affect the way the natural system interacts with the rest of the ecosystem. Ultimately, all aspects of life are affected by the way in which we, as humans regard the watershed system.

 

Objectives:  

• Students will be able to assess the relative environmental quality of (Spencer Creek) and its surrounding watershed, based on the examination of cultural, biotic and abiotic factors.

• To develop a watershed management plan which considers the various historical, cultural and environmental aspects of the watershed system.

• To include a strategy for future protection and enhancement of the watershed's environment and its resources. 

Equipment:

• Assorted field guides and identification keys. The New Field Book of Freshwater Life, Golden Guide to Pond Life, Peterson Field Guides to Insects and Plants, Audubon Society Field Guides.
  

• Student Worksheets, pens/pencils, clipboards, first aid kit.
  

• Sampling equipment for invertebrate catch and release, water ecology test kits (Hach kits), thermometers, hand lenses, wind metres, seine nets, hand nets, sieves, collection trays, assorted containers, kit bags, hip-waders, rain jackets. 
  

Location:  Four to six specified data collection locations along the system ie) Spencer Creek. Testing will begin at the original bog-source outlet and continue to the mouth of the watershed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spencer Creek  is a diverse natural system which includes all the lands draining, or 'shedding' its rain or snow melt into Spencer Creek. Its source or headwaters begins in the upper reaches of Crieff Bog in Puslinch Township. Gradually it winds its way through woodlots, agricultural and urban areas before it tumbles over Webster's Falls on its way to Coote's Paradise and on into Lake Ontario. 

This study is adaptable to any watershed system, dependent upon access to the area. Local environmental organizations and conservation authorities have excellent information on watershed systems and the environmental issues affecting them. It is also possible to adapt this full day program of assessing six different sites, to a visitation of specific local waterway.

•   Field Information for Teachers

PRICING

Outdoor Education Pricing Information Half Day Programs 

• Secondary Schools: $6.25 per student, based on a minimum booking of $150.00 per class. Additional students charged at a rate of $4.75 plus gst. Additional classes charged at same rate.

Outdoor Education Pricing Information Full Day Programs 

• Secondary Schools: $12.50 per student, based on a minimum booking of $275.00 per class. Additional students charged at a rate of $9.50 plus gst. Additional classes charged at same rate.