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Effects of Time study by Ritzville Grade School
Native waterfowl
This minigrant at Ritzville Grade School in Ritzville, Washington incorporated both classroom and field study of water quality and its effects on migratory patterns of native waterfowl. Students first conducted research into historical configurations of water quality in Sprague Lake and Coeur d’Alene Lake, then visited each lake to take water samples, observe eagles and other waterfowl, and study the birds’ habitat.
Following their lake tours, students analyzed the water samples and compared historical pollution and erosion levels to current water and habitat conditions. These exercises allowed students to project the effects of pollution on future wildlife migration in these lake areas.