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 They
recently completed a two-month study of the area watersheds and their
importance to the environment.
The students researched new vocabulary such as percolation and aquifer,
then designed their own watershed from recycled materials.
The fifty-two students were able to visit Chicopee State Park and take
part in World Water Monitoring Day, where they conducted water quality
testing with the assistance of the Chicopee Water Department and the
Massachusetts Water Resource Authority.
Due to a generous donation from the Chicopee River Watershed Council,
students were able to visit Quabbin Reservoir in order to learn how
water from Quabbin is transported to their homes. Great Falls Discovery
Center was another exciting trip for the students as they expanded their
knowledge to include habitats of the Connecticut River,
Many hands-on activities were designed by the fifth-graders during
the unit. Students created their own water filters and determined that
sand and gravel provided the best natural filter for polluted water.
They also received a classroom visit from a water filtration expert
who demonstrated filtration systems. Students created a pollution simulation
under the direction of Gini Traub from the Department of Conservation
and Recreation.
They observed how easily pollution may travel and pollute an aquifer.
The students enjoyed all of the activities and have decided that they
now have an enriched knowledge of and appreciation for our waterways
and the land that drains every lake, river, stream, and brook of Western
Massachusetts.
Judy Hebert
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