Students Study Pond
In 1998, students studied Hardy Pond to learn about water quality. They also honed their observation skills, spotting birds and wildlife.
Funded by a Massachusetts D.E.P. grant, the program involved third graders from the MacArthur School and Waltham High School students.
The third graders trekked to the Pond to perform biological testing to determine water quality. They used nets to scoop macroinvertebrates (bugs) from the pond. Depending on which "inverts" they found, they could determine how habitable, and therefore how clean, the water is. Students found almost 20 different species, ranging from fresh water clams to leeches. Based on their findings, they determined the water quality is good!
Then, the Environmental Club of Waltham High School used chemical testing to really scrutinize the water quality. They tested for dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and temperature. As expected, the students found that the dissolved oxygen level is low - no surprise to anyone who has witnessed the pond's decay. Also, due to the shallow depth, the water temperature is too high.
All of the students enjoyed their field trips and gained a new appreciation for the Pond and nature in general. Perhaps MacArthur student Ting-Ting Han summed things up nicely after the field trip, when she said simply "I love our environment!"
The Spring of 1999 will once again see students scooping for macroinvertebrates and taking samples of water to test. New this year is an experiment that duplicates a part of the dredging process. Students will learn first-hand how a polymer (Percol 765) will remove suspended silt from the water. Although the results of their testing may not differ greatly from last year's, the experience is sure to inspire a new awareness of the fragile nature of the world around us.
Special thanks to Marianne Reardon, Mary Darcy, Mary Hodgdon, and the third graders of the MacArthur School for their enthusiasm!
Special thanks also to Sonja McKnight of Waltham High School, not only for involving her students in the Hardy Pond Education Program, but for so cheerfully spending a cold and soggy day learning the on-the-water testing techniques.
If you are an educator who wants to learn more about setting up a water quality testing program with your students, please contact Anne Rickaby of the Hardy Pond Association at education@hardypond.org.
If you are a business in the Waltham area, we need your help! To continue this important educatonal effort, we need to replenish our testing supplies. In addition, we are hoping to purchase two pH meters to test the pH of the pond. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the Hardy Pond Association by contacting Anne Rickaby at donations@hardypond.org for details.
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Hardy Pond Association, Inc.
104 Lake Street
Waltham MA 02451-3123
781-899-5344
info@hardypond.org