On Monday, we visited several Audubon spots to observe and explore - Beaver Pond, Peeper Pond, and the Sherman Hollow Brook. We took a pH test and temperature test and caught many creatures at each spot. We also started to plan experiments in small groups to conduct during the week. We ended the day with a camper favorite activity, shelter building and fairy house building with materials from the world around us.
This week at Ecology Day Camp, we took on the role of earth scientists and discovered the wild world of Audubon, making it our laboratory.
Tuesday, we discussed the parts of an experiment and worked on planning group experiments. Then, we ventured down to the Huntington River to explore and do a pH test. We played lots of water games and did a sponge relay race, it was lots of fun! Later in the afternoon, we continued to work on shelter building and fairy house construction; they are truly coming along great!
When Wednesday came, we finally conducted our group experiments in several different locations. One group did bridge building at the Brook, one group tested pH at all the water spots, one group tested methods of fire building, another tested which tree protects you from water most, and one group tested several liquid mixtures to see which attracted bugs the most. We further developed our inner scientists by making predictions about how long it would take dye in water to change the color of white flowers, and ended the day by exploring the Huntington River again.
Looking forward to the rest of the week, we will continue to spend lots of time by the various water sources at Audubon to cool down and learn more about the world around us. We will do some more experiments and learn what it takes to be a true earth scientist.