Procedures Data Entry Data Analysis Materials Water Quality Home How to Do Research Contact Page

Project  Introduction

The Washington Virtual Classroom exists because of the support of our state legislature, specifically Senator Hargrove, Representative Lynn Kessler and Representative Jim Buck.   We have also received vital financing through the tireless efforts of Senator Patty Murray.  Because of these appropriations, we have been able to positively affect the lives of over 1100 students and over 60 teachers in our state. The water quality monitoring project of the Washington Virtual Classroom (WVC) involves twelve school districts in Washington State (Quillayute Valley in  Forks, Brewster,  Eatonville, Quinault Lake, Wapato, Wellpinit, White Salmon, Concrete, North Franklin, Ocosta, The Washington State School for the Deaf in Vancouver, and Adna).  WVC provides elementary, middle and high school students with the exciting opportunity to investigate the health of salmon spawning streams in their different areas. Using both qualitative and quantitative testing parameters, data is maintained, compared and evaluated throughout the year .

Students ideally visit several locations along the streams they have chosen to study .  They share information and teach each other via videoconferencing throughout the year.  The Water Quality Project has also developed an on-line stream studies curriculum for schools, from grades 3-9 with extension activities for high school.  This curriculum is integrated with the creative arts.

Salmon are an integral part of our state's history and face ever increasing pressures from people and the subsequent stresses on their environment.   By getting students involved in monitoring salmon habitat we not only are teaching good science in a way that will never be forgotten, but we are doing our part in helping to preserve this part of our heritage.  In providing our students the opportunity to communicate with others in the WVC consortium  in the many varied parts of our state we are allowing students to learn about the diverse ecosystems and habitats of areas much different from our own.  Learning about problems and solutions that others have to deal with that may be different than our own allows students to see just how large an issue salmon habitat restoration or maintenance is throughout our entire state.  It is not a local issue, but rather one of state, national and global concern.

• WHAT IS QUALITY WATER?
• CAN I MEASURE WATER QUALITY?
• WHAT PROCEDURES TEST FOR WATER QUALITY?

Questions may be directed to Sherry Schaaf at sschaaf@esd114.wednet.edu

Updated Fall, 2004