WildLink Aquatic Biomonitoring Travels to A High School Near You!

In 2004, in conjunction with Yosemite Institute’s Scientific Research Coordinator, WildLink ran a pilot program this year in which the Research Coordinator first met WildLink students in the field during their expedition, when he led them through a water quality analysis project centered on macro invertebrate sampling. While in the Park the students performed an in-depth study of their findings. A few weeks later, the Research Coordinator joined the students, the WildLink teacher and the rest of their classmates for an in-lab analysis of the same samples, which was led by the Research Coordinator and the WildLink alumni. The alumni then prepared a report which was sent to WildLink and posted on the website. This is a program we hope to expand in the future.

On November 30, 2004, we facilitated this pilot program in Kingsburg High School. Four WildLink alumni joined Mandy Vance, WildLink Program Coordinator, and Todd Newburger, Yosemite Institute Scientific Research Coordinator, in leading a group of 12 AP Environmental Science Students through a three-hour, intensive analysis of macro invertebrate samples collected in Yosemite by other high school students. The students then completed data analysis forms, and the WildLink alumni completed a report which will was posted on the WildLink website.

To see the results of this Kingsburg study, click here.

If you are a teacher or alumnus interested in bringing this project to your school, please contact Mandy at mandy_vance@partner.nps.gov