SWARTZ CREEK, Michigan -- With probing eyes and questioning minds, students in Brandolyn Forbes’ science class got a real-life look at water quality on Earth Day last month.
The eighth-grade Swartz Creek Middle School students conducted science experiments on creek water to examine its oxygen levels for supporting life. The result: Some eye-opening observations.
Besides looking at oxygen levels, they also tested for fecal coliform, nitrate, pH levels, phosphorous, water temperatures and turgidity.
Here’s what some of the students discovered after their query.
“I learned that just because water looks clean, it probably isn’t,” said Anna Eby, one of 20 students who took part in the investigation.
Added Shelby Kinney: “There really is a lot in the water that would amaze you.”
Chris Lopez said the creek wasn’t as dirty as it looks.
“The creek tested .25 in nitrates,” Chris said.
Jacob Soto explained that his group was tasked with taking a water sample and adding chemicals and acids, such as sulfate, to examine reactions.
“We were able to figure out how much oxygen was in the water,” Jacob said. “I had a fun time doing this and would like to do it again.”
Angela Boshaw concluded that the world would be better off if everyone took a close look at their environment.
“We have problems with our environment because of everybody that does not care,” Angela said. “Our world could be a lot cleaner if the people in it would just try a little harder.”
Besides the water testing, the students also helped pick up litter during their outdoor probe.