Hi there!

The students have started to explore Aquatic life in the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie.  When asking students about the river, many youth had not heard the name nor know where  the Cuyahoga River is located.  We’re “tackling that!”  Pun intended.

Youth were given a map of the Cuyahoga River that winds through Cleveland communities.  I guided them through the map and students observed that the river empties into Lake Erie.

Native fish in the river were introduced and youth researched the fish they were assigned to including:  Bluegill, Walleye, Yellow Perch, White Bass and Channel Catfish.  If you would like to learn more about fishing in Ohio please click on this link: https://www.takemefishing.org/where-to-fish-and-boat/  After clicking on the link you can enter any zip code you like to find fishing spots, bait shops, marinas, and more.  Plus, logged catches, fish species, and fishing forecasts can be found!!  I used the fish species page to print information about some species we studied afterschool.

Fish adaptation and habitats will be explored within the next two weeks as well as pollution and how it affects all aquatic life.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

Afterschool Youth explored electricity and how things work for a few weeks.  They were engaged in making a clock run with lemons, wires, and connectors.  There were many great questions asked such as “Will I get shocked?” and “How can a lemon make electricity?”

First, let me say that students are not shocked in the lemon experiment!!  The lemon contains citric acid and water. When metals are introduced to citric acid a small current is created through conduction.  Therefore, the lemon acts as a battery and can power a very small clock.

Electromagnetism was explored using a 6 V battery, wires, and a compass.  Electric currents have magnetic fields.  Navigation with a compass can be affected with the right type of current.  Youth explored electromagnetism in small groups, communicated, asked questions, and tested their knowledge through various means.  All by themselves!!  They were engaged and excited about their discoveries!

If you would like to learn more, please click on this link:  https://www.wired.com/story/can-your-electronic-gadgets-interfere-with-your-compass/

Please reach out if you have any questions or ideas.