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Kimberton Waldorf School

Kimberton Waldorf School

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River Ecology and the world of aquatic macro-invertebrates

May 3, 2023 by Kimberton Waldorf School

by Jake Strevig, HS Life Sciences teacher

In the 9th grade River Ecology course, we take an in-depth dive into the world of aquatic macro-invertebrates.  We inventory the number and diversity of critters living in French Creek using leaf packs to create a controlled experimental habitat.  After a few weeks we remove the leaf packs from the stream, then count and record the numbers and diversity of macro-invertebrates.  Next we enter those numbers into a simple equation and we are able to have a good indicator of stream health.  

Friday, April 21st was our first day and the creek, and we were not looking for specifics yet.  We were exploring and getting a feel for the amazing amount of diversity in our little creek.  We gently captured some specimens using nets and carefully placed them in our sample boxes for observation and preliminary identification.  There are at least 15 different species in these pictures!  They are not all invertebrates, and some are hidden amongst the rocks, but they all live together in our little river.  Not pictured are the six big crayfish in a separate bucket.

Can you identify any of them?

If you want to learn more about Leaf Packs, visit https://leafpacknetwork.org/

See the tiny critters up close!

Filed Under: Blog, Resources, Vlog

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About Kimberton Waldorf School

As an independent private school, we feel privileged to be able to create a curriculum based on the needs of a developing child. This allows us to intentionally and carefully align creative developmental activities with emerging cognitive, emotional, and physical stages of growth. Our students and faculty have received recognition for high achievement, both within the classroom and outside of the classroom. We are proud of our scholars, musicians, athletes, artists, and educators who strive for excellence.

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410 West Seven Stars Road,
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Mailing Address:
PO Box 350, Kimberton,
PA 19442
Email us directly here

ph:610.933.3635  f:610.300.5488

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