Dive into the hidden world beneath the surface of our local rivers and beaches! In this hands-on workshop, you'll collect and observe microscopic life, such as diatoms, microbes, and tiny aquatic creatures, that serve as indicators of water quality and ecosystem health. Guided by Dr. Mark Armitage, participants will learn how to prepare and view specimens under the microscope and discover how these beautiful and complex organisms reveal the health of our aquatic environments.
You'll leave with a deeper understanding of local water systems and how citizen scientists can contribute to monitoring the well-being of our Peninsula's rivers and shores. Students should collect and bring their own samples to look at! Collect water and sand from your favorite river or ocean beach, and river and shore rocks with green growth on them. Be sure to keep all specimens wet.
Open to students ages 14 and up if accompanied by a parent/guardian also enrolled in the class.
Student Learning Outcomes: By the end of this one-day workshop, students will:
- Learn how to collect and prepare aquatic samples from local rivers or beaches.
- Observe and identify microscopic organisms that indicate water health.
- Understand how these tiny life forms connect to larger food webs and environmental conditions.
- Explore ways community members can support ongoing water quality monitoring in Clallam County.