Junior Biomonitors
Overview
Through the Junior Biomonitors Program, fifth graders can investigate stream health and ecosystem diversity. Students are given the opportunity to conduct their own macroinvertebrate analysis and learn about the role of “creek critters” in monitoring water pollution and supporting a web of aquatic and terrestrial life forms. They learn about Putah Creek’s tiniest inhabitants and the threats they face, threats that good stewardship like that promoted by PCC, can help to reduce.
2007-2008 School Year
In Spring 2008, PCC staff visited classrooms at Plainfield and Birch Lane Elementary Schools to run the pilot Junior Biomonitors Program. The program included two visits to each school. During the first visit, students learned to identify common stream macroinvertebrates and created their own drawings and macro guides. They also watched a presentation on data collection and learned about the importance of stream macroinvertebrates as indicators of water quality. During the second visit, students used their macro guides and others provided by PCC staff to identify the macroinvertebrates in samples from Putah Creek.
School Macroinvertebrate Sampling
Below are links to general collection and identification information from both schools. The sample sorted by Birch Lane was from the Pedrick Road area of Putah Creek while the sample sorted by Plainfield was from the I-505 overcrossing area. This information was collected and sorted by 5th grade students and should only be used for educational purposes.
Birch Lane Elementary
Plainfield Elementary
Photo and Picture Gallery
(coming soon)
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