Dahlgren School Students Study Local Ecosystem

DAHLGREN, Va. (NNS) -- Students from the Dahlgren School got a look at the local ecosystem when they visited the Dahlgren Marina Sept. 19.

Under the watchful eyes of adults, the third, fourth and fifth grade students conducted experiments measuring Machodoc Creek's temperature, pH, oxygen and turbidity.

The teachers, parents and science, sechnology, engineering and math (STEM) professionals who participated hoped that excitement would motivate students to focus on their studies and inspire greater respect for the world outside the classroom.

"It's within our purview to try and generate awareness about the environment," said Walt Legg, Dahlgren site manager for Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington NAVFACWASH environmental program. "We're demonstrating some of our equipment so [students] understand how some of these scientific tests work, how to analyze the water.

"It seems like the kids are having a pretty good time. Hopefully they're going back to school with some good information, and hopefully they'll have a desire for more scientific activities in the future."

Legg said he was proud of his employees for their efforts to make the day a memorable one. In particular, Legg praised Brenna White for leading the charge on this and several other academic outreaches.

White, along with coworker and natural resources specialist Patrick Brown, coordinated this event in celebration of World Water Monitoring Day as part of a world water monitoring challenge.

"She loves doing it," said Legg. "Her mom is a teacher and she gets it from her. Brenna has been planning this for weeks - she worked so hard at it and mostly in her free time. We're really proud."

For White, a wastewater media manager, having a chance to work with students was worth the effort. "I like to see how excited they get about every little thing," said White. "That they love playing with the samplers boggles my mind. That they enjoy the minnows - I understand that part."

"That they also get satisfaction from taking [dissolved oxygen] and pH readings, that's pretty exciting," she adds. "They love every element of being out here and each student will find a different element that they like best."

White enjoyed similar field trips when she was a young student, and said they helped her decide to become a STEM professional. "Getting outside, fishing, hiking, just getting kids outdoors tends to get them excited about science," she said.

Beth Hankins, fifth-grade teacher at the Dahlgren School, said she appreciated all the effort that went into the field day.

"The students loved spending the day with the Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren Environmental team," she said. "Ms. Brenna White has conducted two science events that students have touted as the highlight of their school year. She works over-time to plan and create activities that engage all students and makes a connection with the students that captivates them. Our students think she is simply awesome! Her coworkers were equally superb. We cannot thank them enough for taking the time to turn us on to science!"

Hankins explained why such field trips make academic sense. "Our students love hands-on activities," she said. "Field trips like this one bring science to life. Students stop viewing science as a stuffy textbook assignment and see it as a vibrant, exciting field of study that could one day lead to a great job."

"When we are able to do hands-on science activities, students not only understand the concepts better but they are able to stretch their critical thinking skills," Hankins added.

Hankins' goal was for her students to interact with STEM professionals, employ the scientific method, and inspire any science naysayers in her classroom.

For Jacob, a fifth-grader who recently transferred to the Dahlgren School, the field trip was one more highlight on what he hopes will be a STEM career path.

"I like science because it's not like any other subjects," he said. "It's always different. It's fun. You get to go out and do different stuff. You get to do experiments. That's the main thing about learning - if you have fun, you're going to learn."

For more news from Naval Support Activity South Potomac, visit www.navy.mil/local/NSASP/.