Fifth graders at Cottage Lane Elementary School are gaining hands-on experience learning about their environment! Over the next couple of weeks, students will visit the Piermont Pier and scientists from Lamont-Doherty will teach them all about the diverse species that can be found in the Hudson River as well as its water chemistry.
Jacob Tanenbaum, CLE Technology Education teacher, worked with students in Anne O’Brien’s class yesterday afternoon as they tried to catch different types of fish and crabs in the river. “We are so happy to be working with educators from one of the finest science institutes, Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Our students have the opportunity to learn science from the experts,” said Tanenbaum. “There is really no better way to learn about the Hudson River than to be in it!”
Students learned how to test the chemistry of river water including how to test the temperature and salt content using tools such as a refractometer. Students went into the Hudson River and using a seine net, worked together to catch marine life including Atlantic silversides, northern pipefish and Harris mud crabs. Afterwards, they had the chance to learn more about what they caught and even hold some of them. “For most students, this is the first time they’ve ever handled a crab or fish. This trip helps engage all of the senses so they can truly learn about the environment they’re growing up in,” explained Tanenbaum.
