Grades 11-12 AP Environmental Science Stream Study

High school Advanced Placement Environmental Science students looking for macroinvertebrate evidence in kick seine sample from Oregon Branch.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science (APES)

March-April

Location: Oregon Ridge Nature Center

Essential Question: How do the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of a stream determine the species of fish found in the stream?

The College Board requires the AP Environmental Science Program to include an in-depth laboratory and field investigation component. “The goal of this component is to complement the classroom portion of the course by allowing students to learn about the environment through firsthand observation”. During this field experience, designed specifically for AP Environmental Science students, they will conduct a biological assessment of Oregon Branch by using kick seine nets to collect benthic macroinvertebrates and then use the data to complete a Shannon Weaver Index and a Save Our Streams Survey. LabPros and LaMotte test kits will used to collect chemical data for a Water Quality Index. In addition, physical data will be collected using flow meters, measurement tools, and observations.

Relevant AP Topics: IV. Environmental Quality

High school Advanced Placement Environmental Science students kick seining for macroinvertebrates in Oregon Branch.

To measure and analyze coliform levels, dissolved oxygen (DO), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) To determine the relationship between DO and BOD To measure the temperature, total phosphates, nitrates, turbidity, and total solids using appropriate water quality tests To compare test results to EPA/MDE water quality standards To assess overall water quality