UA Field Station event teaches kids about the ecology of their backyards

An afternoon of summer fun was also an educational experience for 27 school-age kids and their families. On June 17, Department of Biology graduate student, Caitlin Riley, led participants in a Stream Scavenger Hunt at The University of Akron Field Station at Bath Nature Preserve. Riley, along with Donnie Copeland, a UA integrated biosciences Ph.D. student, guided participants in collecting and identifying fish and invertebrates in the North Fork of Yellow Creek.

Riley, whose research specializes in fish physiology, decided to organize the activity as an opportunity to inform kids about the ecology of their backyards. “The ultimate goal was not memorizing the ecological significance of a dozen creepy-crawlies, but instead for the kids to think back in six months and remember that science is fun.”

Participants were tasked with rating the water quality of the creek based on the number of invertebrate species found in the water. During the two-hour hunt, ten different invertebrate species were found, resulting in a water quality score ranking in the “good” category, just one identified invertebrate away from an “excellent” rating for the creek.

"Field Station outreach events spin-off of faculty and student research efforts and provide an opportunity for the general public to learn more about the specific research we do, as well as learn a little bit about the process of science in general,” says Gregory Smith, manager of the Martin Center for Field Studies and Environmental Education. “The more we can expose people to real-world science, the less daunting it becomes and the more comfortable people will be reading about it, discussing it and supporting it."

Established in 1998 as collaborative agreement between UA and Bath Township, the Field Station aims to promote a better understanding of our relationship with the natural environment through research, education and service.

For more information on the Field Station and upcoming programs, visit The University of Akron Field Station.

Media contact: Kelly Daw, 330-972-7225 or kdaw@uakron.edu.