Plus, we usually bring in small crayfish, tadpoles, clams, snails, catfish, minnows, darters, sculpins, and anything else interesting that winds up in our net. This type of hands-on learning is a fun and exciting way of learning about water quality. For older students, this is an excellent opportunity to learn scientific classification of species as well as how to make their own collections. We also bring a video microscope to magnify some of the creatures on a TV screen for close inspection. We wrap up the presentation with a discussion about pollution.
Students give examples of pollutants and learn about ways to prevent pollution at home.
It is stressed that the creatures they just finished playing with are very sensitive to pollution and disappear in number as you travel downstream to Lake Erie. We hope to develop a sense of responsibility among students that will guide them when making decisions. MSU Extension then leaves each school with some educational reference material at no cost. This includes a map of the River Raisin Watershed, a laminated field guide to assist students in identifying aquatic plants and animals, a DNR guide to Michigan fish consumption, some MDEQ publications on both urban and rural water pollutants, and information on visiting Lenawee County Solid Waste Department's Household Hazardous Waste Center. We can also answer questions about c areers in the field of natural resources and the environment.