Kingwood Christian School

Kingwood Christian School students become Creek Kids
September 28, 2012

Our adventure began with a brief walk through Tannehill State Park to visit Mrs. Morrison at the schoolhouse.	Students volunteer to help with the EnviroScape model that shows how pollution can wash into waterbodies. That kind of pollution is nonpoint source pollution.
Biolgist Aide Brenda Morrison teaches students about the water cycle and the effect pollution has on Alabama's freshwater fish.	After the presentation, we hiked to the Bubbling Springs where we saw an example of groundwater.
Everyone appreciates the refreshing spring water on a hot day.	A group of friends prepares to enjoy a train ride through our watershed.
While walking to the grist mill, Biologist Jerry Moss reminds students to watch out for snakes. It is important to be aware of your surroundings when outdoors.	Mr. Moss explains that although dams are important to humans they change the habitat for wildlife. Some aquatic animals like slow moving deep water; some like other aquatic habitat with moving water.
The sluice near the grist mill is an excellent place to find invertebrates.	Students collected aquatic snails in the sluice.
Intern Sandi Parten helps these excited students use the seine to catch fish.	Mr. Moss examines a fish caught in the seine. Alabama is home to many types of minnows so identifying them can be difficult.
Jerry Moss confirms that the fish caught is a largemouth bass and not a spotted bass.	The students did a great job with the minnow seine.
Students were challenged to think about the biotic and abiotic things in the creek. Biotic: leaves, algae, bacteria, fish, insects... Abiotic: rocks, water, oxygen in the water, a styrofoam cup....	Fifth Graders from Kingwood Christian School in Alabaster watch as other students try to catch fish by seining.
Mr. Moss helps a student into the creek. To find aquatic invertebrates, one must enter their habitat.	Students learn that many aquatic invertebrates are actually insect larvae.
Biologist Doug Darr helps identify the fish.	Everyone was eager to "pet" a fish.
A Banded Sculpin was among the fish caught in the seine.	Kingwood Christian School had a great time becoming Creek Kids!