1. Investigating Mill Creek
StreamWatchers
Investigating Mill Creek

2. Why do we become “StreamWatchers” ?
Experience the natural world
Have some fun !!
Explore our local environment
Collect real science data about water quality
Feel connected to the rest of the world. . . Mill Creek to Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence River to the Atlantic Ocean…Anywhere in the world!

4. How do we monitor the water quality of Mill Creek?
Physical Tests
Chemical Tests
Biologic Indicators The critters
We collect this data throughout the year to observe conditions and changes in the environment.

5. What are the Physical “Tests” or Indicators?
Water and air temperature
Turbidity (clarity)
Velocity
Depth

6. Waiting to catch the ping-pong ball . . . determining velocity!

7. What are the Chemical Tests?pH
Dissolved oxygen

8. Carefully matching the results

9. What are the Biologic Indicators?
Organisms that live in the stream
Most of the ones we look for live on rocks in the water
They are classified as “tolerant” or “sensitive”

10. What do they look like?

11. How about this for a house?

12. What’s important to remember?
Everyone participates
Rotate jobs to become familiar with all tests
Be responsible with the equipment
Respect the environment and life
Record the data and share information
Create a journal entry for each time

13. We observe seasonal changes

14. In September and October we see Lake Trout and Salmon

16. Playing in the March Slush!

17. Don’t forget the BIG PICTURE !