Students in Brittany Langlitz’s Living Environment class took field trips to the Hudson Highland Outdoor Discovery Center on April 25 and May 6 and had a great, hands-on experience.
Made up of 9th and 10th graders, the 60 students completed a pond ecology lab. They were placed in teams to collect data on one of seven ponds on the property. They assessed the water quality of the pond and determined the stability of each pond ecosystem. They did this by observing the presence of indicator species and measuring pH levels, dissolved oxygen levels, nitrate levels, turbidity and temperature.
The lab concluded with teams sharing and comparing data as they reached their conclusions. Students also explored the forest ecosystem during a hike on one of the designated trails through the woods.
A bonus – one of the educators at the center, Rose, was a Pine Bush graduate!
“It was a great kick off to our ecology unit,” said Langlitz.