Having grown up spending every summer at a small lake in Michigan, and my children growing up at that same lake, I was so excited to come across this field trip experience. As part of the Cleveland Metroparks system, Hinckley Lake offers a floating water lab program to teach about lake ecology. I was slightly worried when I had to schedule the date for so late in October, but the weather was absolutely beautiful! We couldn't have asked for a nicer fall day.
While on the boat, the students conducted water quality experiments using chemical tests. They were helped by instructors from the nature center and all the instructions were included on clipboards. All they needed to do was find the right equipment in the boxes, work together, follow the steps, and interpret the data. 
It took us approximately one hour to complete the tests and discuss the results. As we headed back for shore, the younger class was ready for their turn on the water. 
The next assignment was to capture lake critters that dwell along the shoreline.
We took what looked like buckets of leaves back to the classroom/lab.
They searched for critters using small pipettes, and spoons for the bigger ones.
They transferred them to small petri dishes and classified them. They had 11 different types of animals including mayfly nymphs, dragonfly nymphs, flatworms, scuds, diving beetles, water scorpions, zebra mussels, and even a small fish. 
Finally they were able to check them out under the microscopes. 
All in all, it was a great day.
Definitely a trip worth repeating for those who didn't get to go this time around.
While on the boat, the students conducted water quality experiments using chemical tests. They were helped by instructors from the nature center and all the instructions were included on clipboards. All they needed to do was find the right equipment in the boxes, work together, follow the steps, and interpret the data. 
It took us approximately one hour to complete the tests and discuss the results. As we headed back for shore, the younger class was ready for their turn on the water. The next assignment was to capture lake critters that dwell along the shoreline.We took what looked like buckets of leaves back to the classroom/lab.They searched for critters using small pipettes, and spoons for the bigger ones. They transferred them to small petri dishes and classified them. They had 11 different types of animals including mayfly nymphs, dragonfly nymphs, flatworms, scuds, diving beetles, water scorpions, zebra mussels, and even a small fish. Finally they were able to check them out under the microscopes. All in all, it was a great day.Definitely a trip worth repeating for those who didn't get to go this time around. Another favorite OH field trip.
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