Third-graders learn about data collection

BATTLE GROUND — Patricia Harmon’s third-grade students at Maple Grove Primary School got to play with water, plants and bugs while participating in the Student Watershed Monitoring Network. The students don’t have to walk far to get to the water; a pond nearby is fruitful for data collection. Recently, they learned from Maria Tunno, a watershed educator with the city of Vancouver and Clark County, and Chad Schwatka, a stormwater program coordinator with the city of Battle Ground. Wearing goggles, they tested water samples using pipettes and plastic spoons to look for creatures, such as stoneflies. Through Clark County’s Clean Water Division and Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center, the project trains teachers and students in kindergarten through high school how to monitor water quality and habitat. The activity meets the state’s Next Generation Science Standards. Students who obtain water quality data throughout the year can present their conclusions to other students and professionals at the Watershed Congress conference held in May. “This is such exciting work for these young scientists,” said teacher Patricia Harmon. “My class is always eager to get outside to work on this project, and it’s amazing seeing them so engaged with the subject matter.”