North Shore Project
Under the leadership of 12th grade Natural Studies teacher Glenn Tarpinian and principal Alan Bernstein, North Shore Technical High School received grants for sampling equipment from the Massachusetts Department of Education, the Toshiba America Foundation, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, and the Antioch Center for Environmental Education. After a presentation by IRWA, the class analyzed their sampling results and developed the following synopsis of the project. Mr. Tarpinian can be reached at North Shore Technical High School at (978) 762-0001.
A few words from the teacher…
Our class has been researching the water quality aspects of the Ipswich River watershed. We tested the pH, oxygen, carbon dioxide, temperature, flow rate, ammonium, calcium, chloride, nitrate, phosphate and turbidity. We took monthly samples of the river water; using probes attached to a hand held computer called a LabPro. We conducted our test at the river and in the lab — recording our results on a class spreadsheet, creating tables and graphs.
Our objective was to learn how to create a chemical profile of the river, learn about processes within the ecosystem, and share our findings with our local watershed association. We became scientists investigating the water that we use and drink. Usually we worked in groups of two to perfoming different tests. The data was recorded and averaged. We would then attempt to explain our findings in terms of expected norms, possible reasons for increases or decreases in specific test results, and their effects on the life of the river. Our class has been studying the river environment and conducting tests since October 2001. We have met with a representative from the Ipswich River Watershed Association who explained how to interpret our results and how IRWA uses monitoring data to further its mission.
Based on our testing and what we’ve learned it is our conclusion that the water quality and health of the river is fair and usually within expected norms, particularly when compared to its history. Keeping an eye on the Ipswich River is worth the effort, since we did find a few quality concerns depending on the season and weather, and especially since the river is such an important natural resource.
