Holland High School

Environmental Science students at Holland High School conduct hydrology research with GLOBE and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS-DEC) on two local creeks that are part of the Lake Erie/Niagara River watershed.

Their research is currently limited to three days per year, one data per student group (per site visit) for each parameter measured. This grant of Vernier sensors for dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity will expand measurement capabilities and students will be able to collect samples more often during the year with more repeatability per site visit.

The additional measurements will allow for verification of traditional “wet chemistry” measurements as well as robust statistical analysis of data collected. Statistical analysis is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, adopted as the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) in 2016.

In addition, the probes will allow more classes to participate in measurements at our local creek. Ninth and tenth grade Living Environment students currently study macroinvertebrates and water quality as it relates to ecological health, and their research can be expanded to obtain a more complete picture of the chemistry of the creek environment. Twelfth grade elective science students study and analyze watersheds and water quality in class and why they should care as a citizen. This project will allow these students to easily take environmental science measurements on site to support their academic studies and expand their knowledge of their local environment.