...the very special chalk stream habitat that Pilgrims’ is lucky enough to have in its grounds, and the wonderful Bower recently commissioned, I took both my Year 7 classes to explore the subject of river ecology this week, practically.

WEEK 1

Armed with waders, nets, trays, pipettes, pooters (a small, handheld device used to collect insects and other small invertebrates from a river habitat – It's essentially a small jar with two tubes: one for suction and the other for breathing, with a fine mesh to prevent the collected organisms from being inhaled!), dichotomous keys (ask your sons what one of these is!) and classification sheets, we set up on the river bank to see what is living in our very own bit of the River Itchen.

The boys had fun paddling in the shallow waters (who needs waders?), and saw the many different organisms that live in this habitat, including mayfly and stonefly nymphs, caddis fly larvae, fresh-water shrimp, and even some fish (European bull heads). Our resident ducks and duckling stayed away… (I wonder why), but Year 3 can confirm they returned when I took them down to the river to talk about leaves this morning.

Week 2

Following on from last week's Year 7 (7X and 7Y) Science lessons, in which we started a study of Pilgrims' very own tributary of the River Itchen, this week we measured the speed of the river, width and its depth. Once we have the results from all lessons collated, 7X and 7Y will have a comprehensive study of this fine chalk stream which will include the species of organisms living in it, the plants growing in and around it, its speed, width and depth to draw from.

Today the boys used tennis balls, a tape measure, and timers in order to calculate the speed at which the water in the river is flowing. They did this in two different areas, and will use the results, and their study of the river, to explain any variations in speed. Early results show that down by the Bower, the speed of the river is around 12.5 metres per second, but further upstream, the speed is much slower.

My most favourite moment from today is learning that, for two of our boys whose homes are in the centre of Shanghai, this is the first time in their lives that they have experienced the feel of grass under their bare feet, and it is the first time they have been in a river. They both enjoyed the experiences, very much. I am pleased we have given them these opportunities and, well done, boys, for making the most of them!

We are very lucky to have such wonderful spaces for the teaching of Science!

Ms Bryony Carpenter
Science Teacher