What is a Watershed?- grades K-12.
An overview activity to learn about watersheds and sources of pollution. Students use historical and current maps of their local watershed to identify changes over time. With a watershed model, students may explore impacts of point and non-point pollution on their local waterways, including the Columbia Slough and groundwater sources.

Water Chemistry- grades 4-12.
Investigate different ways to measure the health of a water body. Students observe, use units, interpret data and form hypotheses as they measure the temperature, pH, turbidity and dissolved oxygen of water samples taken from their school or local field site.

Stream Bugs and other Macroinvertebrates- grades 2-12.
Discover how organisms who live in the water can tell us about the quality of the water. Life cycles and anatomy of aquatic insects are explored. Students are introduced to different species of water bugs and their adaptations through specimens and slides.

Riparian Plants- grades 2-8.
Explore the role of plants in our riparian areas along waterways and the impact these plants have on the quality of our water. Students will identify the differences between native and non-native plants and the impacts of both. Characteristics of riparian plants will be identified, using field guides and plant samples.

Ethnobotany: Traditional uses of our local plants- grades 2-8.
Learn about some of the Native American groups who originally lived in the watershed and how previous and current cultural groups rely on the native plants of our region. Students examine specimens, plant samples and practical objects made from local plants and animals.

Animal Adaptations- grades K-8.
Identify how animals have adapted to their specific environment. Discuss the characteristics of each environment and identify the adaptations of birds, mammals and fish which work to allow them to live in these environments. Examine pelts, skulls and specimens of local animals.

Habitats of our Ecosystem- grades 2-8.
An introduction to the different habitats present in Columbia Slough watershed and the larger region. Through slides, characteristics of wetlands, upland forests, riparian areas and estuaries are examined. Students then work to match plants and animals with their respective habitats.

Fish Biology- grades K-12.
Use pictures, egg specimens and anatomical models to discover the adaptations of some of our local fish. Discuss the life cycle of salmon, their importance to humans and the challenges they face during migration. Students may discuss the impacts of human changes on local fish populations and the effects of bioaccumulation.

Animal Signs- grades 4-8.
Identify the ways in which animals leave signs that they are living in our region. Practice ways in which we can use our senses to tell the story of the animals who share our watershed. May include an exploration into animal tracking, bird language or an animal game.

Wetland Introduction- grades 4-12.
Explore the characteristics of local wetlands including soil, wetland plants and hydrological regime. Use hands-on demonstrations to examine the functions of wetlands and their watershed impacts.

If you are interested in creating a plan of study with the Slough School, contact:

Rachel Felice, Slough School Education Director
Phone: (503) 281-1132
email: rachel.felice@columbiaslough.org