Students collect water samples from the Cocheco River as part of their yearlong project studying the life and health of the river. (Courtesy Rochester School District) 
Students collect water samples from the Cocheco River as part of their yearlong project studying the life and health of the river. (Courtesy Rochester School District) 
Students collect water samples from the Cocheco River as part of their yearlong project studying the life and health of the river. (Courtesy Rochester School District) 
Students collect water samples from the Cocheco River as part of their yearlong project studying the life and health of the river. (Courtesy Rochester School District) 
A drawing of an adult water strider — one of the organisms that students found in the Cocheco River during their yearlong study that will be included in a mural being prepared about the project. (Courtesy Rochester School District) 
A drawing of an Caddisfly Larva — one of the organisms that students found in the Cocheco River during their yearlong study that will be included in a mural being prepared about the project. (Courtesy Rochester School District)
ROCHESTER — Superintendent Kyle Repucci and Principal Erin Mahoney are pleased to report that 4th and 5th grade students at the Maple Street Magnet School spent a year studying the life and health of the Cocheco River as a hands on way to apply the lessons that they learn in class.
Under the guidance of teachers Ginny Farkas, Danielle Devoid and art teacher Sue Abbiati, students worked with University of New Hampshire professors, volunteers from the UNH Cooperative Extension and the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program to study macroinvertebrates that live in the river. Students also looked at the river’s velocity and chemistry, and how they affect the organisms that live in the river.
Students collected samples from the river in the fall, late winter and spring, so that they could compare the life in the river during different seasons. They then documented their findings using charts and graphs, applying both art and math skills to the project.
“This project made students take the skills that they have learned in class and apply them to a real life situation,” said Principal Mahoney. “This aligns with our school’s mission to foster a culture in which students, teachers, parents and community work in partnership to challenge and empower a generation that will persevere, innovate, collaborate and lead for the betterment of our community.”
As a final project, students also created a mural for the GLOBE Project which will be projected ontent that travels to schools throughout New Hampshire to share lessons and activities for other schools to learn more about the rivers of New Hampshire.
About the GLOBE Program:
Founded on Earth Day in 1994, the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program provides students and the public with opportunities to meaningfully contribute to understanding the Earth and the global environment. As an international science and education program, GLOBE is dedicated to supplying the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals of tomorrow with the scientific knowledge necessary to tackle Earth’s biggest mysteries. To learn more, visit: https://www.globe.gov/.