Educational
activities for school groups will take place before or
after cleanups. These activities will allow students of all ages to
examine some of the aquatic organisms found in ponds,
streams and in the St. Lawrence river. With the help of River
Institute scientists, students will collect and observe
living aquatic organisms and learn how certain human
activities (i.e., litter, pollution, urban development, fishing,
etc.) affect the biodiversity and health of
aquatic ecosystems. Most activities will take place in
Lamoureux Park, but other locations can also be
arranged.
Educational
activities are available in both English and in French and
cover the following topics:
Fish
Ecology
In this activity,
students will learn how to capture and identify some of the
fish species found in a local creek. They will discover
about some of the environmental and physical factors of
aquatic systems that will determine which species are
present. Students will also learn some of the negative
impacts of pollution on the biodiversity of fish in both
small and large ecosystems.
Invertebrate (“Bug”)
Ecology
In this activity,
students will collect and identify invertebrates from a
creek and a pond. Students will learn about some of the
unique adaptations of these aquatic invertebrates and
discover their importance in aquatic food chains and webs.
Students will also learn how scientists use invertebrates as
indicators of water pollution.
Plant Ecology
In this activity,
students will collect and identify aquatic and terrestrial
plants found along the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River.
Students will discover how these plants are adapted to live
in or near aquatic habitats and how they are important to
both aquatic and terrestrial animals. Students will also
learn how the introduction of exotic plant species (i.e.,
Purple loosestrife, European frogbit) affects the St.
Lawrence river ecosystem.
Please note that
each educational activity can be tailored to
fit the needs of teachers and curriculum. Please
contact: Jordan Ann Kevan,
Coordinator 613-936-6620 ext 224 or by email at jkevan@riverinstitute.ca
