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This summer day camp is designed for young people aged 12 -14 to engage them in scientific exploration that extends beyond the games and activities of Eco-Friends Camp. The young scientists assist with many of the River Institute's research activities, including fish sampling and analysis, aquatic invertebrate sampling, and chemical and microbiological analysis of water. Held at the River Institute, the campers are part of the research environment, and receive excellent mentorship from the staff and summer students. ACTIVITIES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE): Fish sampling and analysis Participants will have the opportunity to use gill nets, seine nets and minnow traps to obtain their own specimens that they can then identify using scientific keys. They will learn how to dissect and examine the stomach contents of fish, to understand food web dynamics within aquatic ecosystems.
Aquatic invertebrate sampling and analysis Participants will learn the importance of aquatic invertebrates by examining the health of an aquatic ecosystem. Participants will learn how to identify and enumerate specimens using microscopes and scientific keys. They will use collected invertebrate data and biological indices to evaluate the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Chemical and microbiological analysis of water Participants will have access to the River Institute's laboratories and expertise to perform chemical and microbiological analyses of surface and ground water. These analyses will help develop an understanding of the impact of water quality parameters on the health and ecology of aquatic systems.
Insect ID Participants will catch live insects and learn to identify them by using taxonomic keys. They will also learn about amazing insect adaptations that are used for survival and protection from predators. Participants will also learn how to mount insects so that the specimens can be added to the River Institute's growing insect collection.
Plant biodiversity activities In this unit, participants will learn how to measure various ecological parameters that determine plant biodiversity. Participants will learn how to identify plant species and how to preserve specimens using plant presses. They will also use plant data to examine the effect of human disturbances on plant biodiversity.
GPS navigation Outdoor enthusiasts and scientists who work in the outdoors need to know how to operate a GPS unit! A local scavenger hunt will help introduce participants to this handy piece of field equipment!
DNA fingerprinting biotechnology at work In this laboratory component, participants will learn the methodologies required to amplify their own DNA. Using cheek cells, participants will perform PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). They will learn the laboratory techniques used to make millions of copies of their own genome and observe the results with gel electrophoresis.
Cost: $TBA
Note that programming will be similar in each of the two weeks. Camp will take place at the River Institute, Rotary Eco Garden and Cooper Marsh. We will require permission to drive participants to the different sites (only when needed). We ask parents to drop off and pick up participants at Cooper Marsh one day during the week (parents will be advised in advance).
Camp hours are from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Drop off/pick up at the River Institute (unless otherwise notified)
Enrolment is limited to one week per child
Testimonial:
"Laura found the camp very educational and interesting. She learned about fish identification and really enjoyed plant identification at Cooper Marsh. The field work, hands on environment and lab experiments gave her the true feeling of being a Jr. Scientist - all the way down to the white lab coats!" - from a parent
Contact: Lindsay Lefebvre, Educator |
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