THE upper Taylors Arm River was speckled with 15 enthusiastic students from Medlow Public School on Thursday, 14 August during National Science Week, the annual celebration of science and technology in Australia.
The theme for the week, “Decoding the Universe”, encouraged students to “explore the unknown with nature’s hidden language”.
The Nambucca Riverwatch team of volunteers collaborated with Medlow Public School students and their teacher, Mrs Laura Donnelly, to examine the river flow patterns, landscape patterns, and water quality in the Taylors Arm River.
The main outcome of the field day was to encourage students to question their use of the river and identify what contributes to a thriving waterway.
The students engaged in a number of citizen science activities utilising mathematical and scientific concepts.
Guided by Riverwatch volunteers they inspected macro-invertebrates (water bugs), mapped the river pattern, river bed and landscape, completed a sound map, and rated the health of the river.
“The students were very keen and focused throughout the activities,” said Nambucca Riverwatch’s Elizabeth Newman.
“It was a joy to work with such well-behaved and interested students.”
Water samples were collected from the river by the students to measure pH, oxygen, electrical conductivity, phosphate, turbidity, and water temperature.
Located near the Taylors Arm River, Medlow Public is the last of the small rural schools in the Nambucca Valley and has provided continuous education in the area for 117 years.
By Beverly GIBBS
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