But its 175 students live in an area rich in natural beauty. Nestled in the rocky Ozark foothills, Raymondville is surrounded by a fantastic ecosystem of caves, sinkholes, springs and sparkling clear streams. Working in small groups, they monitor water quality, using equipment purchased with ISE grant money. The Stream Team uses special nets to capture tiny larvae, which are extremely sensitive to pollution. Their findings are one indicator of water quality.
Some students perform tests to measure dissolved oxygen, pH levels and nitrates.
Others wade into the stream with fine mesh kick nets to capture macro invertebrates, minute forms of river life, which are highly sensitive to pollutants. The presence or absence of live dragonfly and water beetle larvae is an indicator of water quality. Students return to school with more than wet sneakers and sunburns. Armed with a wealth of data collected at the river, they analyze and chart water quality. Over time, their reports paint a detailed picture of the health of one section of the Current River and its watershed.