St. Mary School 7th Graders Participate in "Project Water"

The seventh grade class recently participated in the PROJECT WATER Program through the New Haven Regional Water Authority.  A representative from the Water Company conducted three science classes at St. Mary School in preparation for the field trip. 

The students were taught what a watershed is and constructed their own
watershed using plastic bins, newspaper and plastic garbage bags.  Instructions
were given on how dissolved oxygen, temperature, nitrates and pH are important in determining the quality of the water.  Using various types of maps, students
were able to identify where the Mill River Watershed was located and discuss how
the topography of the region could affect the watershed.

On the last day, the students learned how to conduct tests to assess water quality; the tests included pH, temperature, and nitrates and dissolved oxygen.   Following these classes, the students went on a field trip to the Mill River watershed in Hamden and tested the river water at four different sites. 

What a great opportunity for the students to get actual hands on experience.