Picture 175 students on a beautiful fall day near an Ozark stream learning about macroinvertebrates, writing and drawing in nature journals, and measuring dissolved oxygen levels, among other activities. This was the picture at Hodgson Mill on Bryant Creek on September 22 and 23, 2005. Students from West Plains Middle School (5th grade), Dora Middle School (6th and 7th grade) and Willow Springs Junior High (8th grade) attended the day long events.

Left: MDC educator Melanie Carden-Jessen leads students in a visual survey of the creek.

Students spent the day attending mini-classes taught by Missouri Department of Conservation professionals. Students learned how to measure oxygen levels in the stream from MDC biologist Dave Mayers. Nature Journaling was taught by Wendy Ziegler. Melanie Carden-Jessen directed students in a visual survey similar to those conducted by Missouri Stream Teams. Larry Lindeman explained stream dynamics using a stream table. Mary Palmer and Bob Schultz led macroinvertebrate surveys in Bryant Creek.

Right: West Plains Middle School teacher Lavada Mann helps with the macroinvertebrate survey.

Left: 12 College students from a Missouri State University elementary education class volunteered as facilitators on both days.

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Pre/Post Test Results

Student pre-test scores ranged from +1 (7%) to +13 (87%), with an average score of 42%. Average scores by grade level include: 5th grade 43%, 6th grade 41%, 7th grade 40%, and 8th grade 41%.

Post-test scores ranged from +1 (7%) to +15 (100%), with an average score of 65%. Average scores by grade level include: 5th grade 67%, 6th grade 59%, 7th grade 58%, and 8th grade 65%.

Overall scores improved by 23%, with 5th grade improving 24%, 6th grade improving 18%, 7th grade improving 18%, and 8th grade improving 24%.

When asked about Stream Day, Dora Middle School teacher Crystal Leroy said, "I love the stream day. I think it is very well organized and the kids enjoy it. Keep up the good work!"