IB science students conduct 17 ecological tests on Snakeden Branch
IB science students went on a Group 4 field-trip to Snakeden Branch Wednesday to Snakeden Branch to conduct ecological tests on the stream.
Before they departed, they watched presentations from community members. Rachel Muir from United States Geological Survey spoke to students about urban ecology, Reston Association Watershed Supervisor Nicki Bellezza discussed the reconstruction of Snakeden Branch, and Connie Hartkey from Rescue Reston informed students about potential golf course redevelopment and its predicted effects on the stream.
The students then assessed different plant species, diameter of trees at breast height, invasive species, macroinvertebrate index, soil pH, water pH, nitrates, phosphates, dissolved oxygen, aquatic bacterial count, flow rate, stream depth, stream width, volume of water, turbidity, and diversity quadrants.
They recorded the data and will later report their findings to Restonians.
