Patterson Elementary School
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Schuylkill Center ECOVAN Prepares Patterson Environmental Scholars for Public Science Day

Patterson School, with the help of The Franklin Institute, further prepared for Public Science Day by continuing their exploration of Heinz Wildlife Center in Southwest Philadelphia. The ECOVAN from the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education aided the students in their quest. Fourth grade students from Mr. Hutelmyer's Environmental Scholar's Club and Mrs. Majetich's Language Impaired class, along with classroom assistant Mrs. Graham, had an educational and enjoyable morning learning about environmental concerns.

The group was split in two. While half were performing experiments in the van, the other half conducted water-testing experiments outside. Mary Jane Geiger helped the students conduct two activities in the ECOVAN. The first activity was entitled "Fred's Adventure Downstream." By completing the Water Use Activity, they learned about the effects pollutants have on water quality, and how those pollutants affect the fish that live in the water.

The next activity was a Wetlands Activity. In the first part of the activity, the students learned how erosion influences the plants and animals living in a stream. They found out that wetlands are valuable pieces of land because they can hold lots of water and can prevent erosion.

In the second portion of the Wetlands activity, the students discovered how land development and lawn fertilizer impacts our wetlands and the water quality of a stream. They found that wetlands have special types of plants and soils that can absorb different types of pollutants like fertilizer.

Then it was time for the students to clean up and replace all of the materials they used in the activities. They recorded their observations and discussed their findings. The students learned, through hands-on experiments, that wetlands are a valuable protector of our environment. Since the Heinz Refuge Center is a major wetland in Southwest Philadelphia, the students came to appreciate a valuable area of our community.

Our next activity was water testing at Darby Creek. Dana Walker from the ECOVAN led the children in this activity. First, the children observed the weather and wind conditions. Then they were told to make and record the *ir predictions about the water quality and the reasons for their predictions. Each child then completed a Habitat Assessment.

The children worked in small groups to make their assessments. The water was tested for temperature, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH, turbidity, and coliform bacteria. Assistance was given to the students when they needed it.

The end results were surprising indeed. Most of the students predicted poor water quality, and found that the water quality of Darby Creek was good. Even the coliform bacteria level was within normal limits. The children gained valuable knowledge about this ecosystem and about the scientific method.

Submitted by: Jeanne P. Majetich