This fall, Norristown Area School District (NASD) fifth graders ventured into nature for an extraordinary hands-on learning experience at Green Lane Reservoir. Facilitated by the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy, students experienced a combination of scientific discovery, outdoor adventure, and environmental education. This experience, emphasizing environmental literacy and sustainability, aligns with the new Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards (STEELS), which the Pennsylvania Department of Education will require schools to implement starting in the 2025-26 school year.
NASD’s collaboration with partners such as Aqua Pennsylvania, the American Water Charitable Foundation and Pennsylvania American Water, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Montgomery County Parks, Constellation Energy, and the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy made this opportunity possible. Their efforts ensured students could engage with environmental science in meaningful and memorable ways.
The program offered a cross-disciplinary exploration of the relationships between human activity and the environment. Through interactive, inquiry-based activities, students investigated the interconnected land and water ecosystems of Green Lane Reservoir, honing their skills in observation, reasoning, and scientific inquiry. The experience revolved around four stations, each designed to engage students in unique ways.
Station 1: Water Quality Testing aboard Dragonfly 1
A highlight of the trip was the Dragonfly 1, a solar-powered floating classroom funded by the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Water and Environment Grant. Here, students collected water samples from the reservoir, testing them for pH, nitrates, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity. Using methods employed by professional freshwater ecologists, students recorded their findings in the Stroud Water Research Center’s database, gaining insights into how water quality impacts aquatic life.
Station 2: Kayaking Adventures
Students picked their life vests and paddled out in kayaks, exploring the reservoir’s riparian buffer zone. They learned the basics of paddling and safely navigating the water while identifying native plants and discussing the importance of preserving natural habitats. This firsthand interaction with the reservoir deepened their understanding of the symbiotic relationship between recreation and conservation.
Station 3: Watershed Exploration
Through maps and 3D topographical models, students delved into the concept of watersheds, focusing on the Perkiomen Creek watershed. They modeled water flow and discussed larger watersheds like the Schuylkill and Delaware, identifying challenges these ecosystems face and brainstorming conservation strategies.
Station 4: Macroinvertebrate Studies
At this station, students discovered the smallest yet most vital residents of the reservoir: aquatic macroinvertebrates. By examining these creatures under microscopes, they learned how biodiversity serves as an indicator of water quality. This activity emphasized the interconnectedness of all life forms within an ecosystem.
This enriching experience began in the classroom, where prior to their visit, students completed a Kahoot quiz introducing key terms and concepts. After their visit, they returned to this activity to reflect on their growth and reinforce what they learned. Conversations about watersheds continued throughout the fifth grade Science curriculum.
NASD fifth graders walked away not only with enhanced scientific skills, but also a deeper appreciation for the natural world and a commitment to protecting it. NASD remains dedicated to providing impactful, real-world learning experiences that inspire each and every student to connect with their environment and become lifelong stewards of the planet.