For this lab the class took a trip to the Ocmulgee River entrance off of Spring Street. We visited the river in order to observe the river and the different minerals and organisms in it. Also, we determined the flow rate of various channels of the river, as well as used specific tools to measure the varying depths of the river. I feel like this was a good experience for the class, as it introduced everyone to a certain hands on approach to environmental science in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
1) The first activity that we were supposed to take part in was measuring the depth and elevation differences of the river.Unfortunately, the tools needed to carry out and complete this activity were not currently at hand so we had to move on to the next activity. However, if we were to measure the elevation differences in the river we would do this by using: a pair of PCB pipes with intermittent markings on them every foot or so, a string tied around each of the PCB pipes, and a Line Level attached to the center of the string. We would begin by putting one PCB Pipe in one location on the river and the other in a different location of different elevation.Then, we would adjust the line holding the two poles together until the higher end was touching the water and the end on the other pole was in a position so as to make the line level show "level." Finally, we would subtract the difference in the feet from the poles to find the difference of elevation.
2) The second planned activity for this lab was measuring the relative amount of clams in the river. Fortunately, for this part of the lab, we had the necessary equipment. We had a number of different pan sifters with varying levels of screen finery in order to sift through different minerals and such at the river. For the clams however we used a crate sifter since clams are much larger than other things we were observing. The procedure for this was to shovel and/or scoop sand from the river into the crate and shake/sift until we found clams. then we were to count them and record the number of clams and the location of the clams relative to the river and its given elevation at that point.
3) The third and final activity that we participated in was determining the flow rate of the river at 3 different channels. To determine this, we used a buoyant object that was capable of floating with the current. We then stationed people a measured distance apart and timed how long it took the object to get from Point A to Point B.
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| Ocmulgee River Activities |
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