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.