SMART Science

May/June 2008

Stream Bank Mini-Vacation

“Vacation is all I ever wanted. Vacation—time to get away…” You may only need to wander as far as the nearest river or stream bank for a “mini-vacation”. Be certain your parents know where you and your friends are, or even better, make it a family field trip.

In the Ohio River Valley we have the Ohio River and the streams that run into the river. This means that there are plenty of relaxing, beautiful, and exciting places to enjoy the warm sunshine of summer. Here are a few “mini-vacation” ideas you and your family may enjoy.

Log Walk

Go for a “log walk”. Sometimes a log or another piece of wood will be partly under water with just enough sticking up to make a nice little bridge. It is fun to walk across these little bridges. Just be sure the water isn’t deep. Also be sure you aren’t wearing good sneakers. You have a strong possibility of getting your feet wet! Take a walk across the log to the bank. You will have a new appreciation for bridges over deeper water.

(PHOTO of Lachlan Nutting during a Summer SMART Institute III field trip to the Ohio river in summer 2007)

Animal Scavenger Hunt

How many animals can you find in or near your stream or river? Are these animals swimming? Are they crawling on the bank or flying over the water? Can you identify any of them? Many animals depend on the rivers and streams. If you are very quiet, you may see some animals that visit the water even when you are not around.

Track Finding

Sometimes you will find evidence that an animal has been on the river or stream bank without actually seeing the animal. One of the ways you can know an animal has been there is by finding its footprints, or tracks. How many different kinds of tracks do you see near your stream or river? Do you see any deer tracks?

Crayfish Search

Crayfish need water to live. They don’t just drink it, but they need to keep their gills moist. Many crayfish live in water, but some live in tunnels that they dig where there is some water to keep them moist. In or near a stream is a great place to find crayfish. Sometimes they hide under rocks in the stream and sometimes you can see them swimming. If you turn over a rock in the stream very carefully, you may see a crayfish swim quickly out from under the rock. Put the rock back after you turn it over so another crayfish will have a nice spot to hide.

Stream Sounds

If you just want to relax, sitting on a comfy stream or river bank is just right. Listen to the soothing sounds of the water. While you are listening you will probably observe things you might have missed. Sometimes slowing down and appreciating nature is the best “mini-vacation”.

Robert E. Strong is the director of the West Liberty State College SMART-Center, the hands-on science center of the Northern Ohio Valley. Libby Strong is the Program Coordinator at the West Liberty State College SMART-Center and also directs the WV-Handle On Science Program that brings hands-on science kits to the public school classrooms of the Northern Panhandle. Richard Pollack is the assistant program coordinator, webmaster, and technology specialist for the WLSC SMART-Center. Robert, Libby, and Richard invite you to visit the website at www.smartcenter.org