Scripps Students Investigate Health Of Paint Creek

After a day of examining the Paint Creek, students deemed the creek in good health.

Eighth grade students had the opportunity to get out of the classroom and enjoy the fresh air last week by taking their science lessons to the Paint Creek. Students collected specimen from the creek, tested chemical levels and recorded physical data about the stream on Thursday. 

For the past nine years Scripps students have been retreating to Paint Creek to test the water. The classes congregated near the to collect their data.

"Students are doing chemical tests, physical tests, they look at bugs and then study the land uses around Paint Creek and see how it might influence the condition," Carol Binggeser, science teacher at Scripps said.

Binggeser noted that the Paint Creek typically gets a fairly healthy rating after students complete their evaluations.

Numerous General Motors (GM) Orion Assembly engineers volunteered their time to aid students in collecting data. The Orion plant also pitched in funds to make the field trip possible. Along with GM, the school partners with Eagle Valley and Clinton River Watershed Council for the field trip.

"We like to do community outreach," said Jose Castillo, GM engineer. "It's a good program; it teaches kids to learn more about the environment and the ecosystem as well as what we can do to protect it.

After a conclusion is reached all of the data is presented to the Clinton River Watershed Council who partners to make the field trip possible. The Clinton River Watershed Council keeps the information on file and uses it to look back at trends over the years, said Education and Stewardship Director Michele Arquette-Palermo.

"To me this is a great experience. First of all it gets kids doing scientific research, which is important, second thing is they're outside," Arquette-Palermo said. "And I think the thing that really brings it all together is it's in its own community."

Arquette-Palermo noted that and middle schools, as well as students, also test the Paint Creek at different times of the year at different locations along the creek.

Abby, a Scripps student, said that she thought testing the Paint Creek was a 'good experience'.

"I think it's in good condition ... there's barely any pollution," Abby said.

Likewise, Erin, another Scripps student on the field trip, said that the field trip was fun and a good way to get out of school for the day.

"I think it's really fun to learn about the stream in a different atmosphere," said Rachel, a Scripps student.

This year the Orion Art Center got involved in the field trip by setting up an art station where students could use recycled materials to create art pieces as well. Students also had the opportunity to look at the art pieces on display as part of the Orion Art Center's Re-Create Recycled Art Show and answer environmental questions.