2012

2012 Northside Middle School Students Are Creek Kids

Biologist Jerry Moss introduces students to Tannehill Historical State Park on the way to the schoolhouse.	At the schoolhouse, Northside Middle School students learn about the water cycle and our watershed. A watershed is an area of land that drains into a waterway.
Biologist Aide Brenda Morrison reminds students of the importance of conserving Alabama's wildlife.	The EnviroScape model uses Kool-Aid to represent fertilizer and cocoa for dirt or silt. Silt is considered the main pollutant in our waterways.
After a presentation on groundwater, we went to the Bubbling Springs. Seeing the springs in person reinforces what Mrs. Morrison taught us.	Biologist Moss points out, although dams are important, they can limit habitat for fish and aquatic plants.
Students search the sluice for invertebrates known as mollusks. The mollusks are mussels or snails.	This is an example of a Corbicula fluminea or Asiatic clam. Now common in Alabama, the asiatic clam is an invasive species introduced in the mid-1900s.
Many students found Asiatic clams in the sluice. This demonstrates how an exotic species can rapidly reproduce in outside of its native habitat.	Mr. Moss encourages students to listen to the sound of the riffle under the bridge. A riffle is a place where water moves quickly over rocks and is said to produce relaxing effects.
With the help of several volunteers, Mr. Moss inspects the seine for minnows and other fish found in Tannehill's streams.	Another exotic and invasive species now found in Alabama, the applesnail.
Students learn the techniques used for finding and identifying aquatic invertebrates.	Mr. Moss instructs students to carefully look under rocks in the stream to find these small creatures.
Teamwork is essential when collecting aquatic invertebrates.	Most students are surprised to see the number of insects living in the water. Many aquatic invertebrates are actually the larval or nymph phase of insects living on land.
	It was exciting to see what we caught in the seine!
Watching different species of fish swim together in the aquarium is very interesting.	Specimen jars were available so students could view key Alabama fish which are not found at Tannehill.
With the assistance of Biologist Moss, students identify several of Alabama's freshwater fish.	Northside Middle School had a great time mastering the use of the seine at Tannehill!
Thanks for the great fun! Mrs. Brenda Morrison Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Let's Go Fishing! Where? How? Take someone fishing with you and make a friend for life. Anglers may purchase a lifetime fishing or hunting license. Receive a discount if purchased by age 11.