Students in Mrs. Jennifer Lewis’ Chemistry class took a field trip to the Cleveland Metroparks Watershed Stewardship Center in Parma, Ohio on April 21. Thirty-six students participated in a hands-on learning experience focused on the environment and water quality.
During their visit, students explored how road salt can affect soil and waterways. Working in groups, they collected soil and water samples from different areas throughout the park and tested them for chlorine, an element found in salt. By comparing samples from locations near roads, different elevations, and areas with and without vegetation, students were able to see how environmental conditions can influence water quality.
Students also created soil slurries by mixing soil with water before performing their chemical tests. These activities gave them the opportunity to apply concepts they had learned in chemistry class to real environmental issues happening in their own community.
Beyond the science itself, the trip helped students better understand how human activities can impact the environment, especially during winter months when road salt is heavily used. The experience also encouraged teamwork, observation, and problem-solving outside of the classroom setting.
Lewis shared that her favorite part of the trip was seeing the students engaged and using the content learned in class to understand their human impact in the environment.
Junior Alyssa Carriero said that her favorite part of the trip was getting to see the frogs and animals at the Watershed Stewardship Center.
Junior Ryan Suhy expressed that he especially enjoyed the Chick-fil-A the class ate after the trip.
The field trip provided students with a valuable opportunity to connect classroom learning to the real world while gaining a greater appreciation for the role science plays in protecting the environment.
This was Lewis’ first trip to the watershed with chemistry students, but she plans to do this trip again. “We will definitely do this trip again. The salinity testing corresponds directly to our Acid and Base unit,” Lewis explained.
