Students survey water bugs

Umina Public School students recently took part in a State-wide spring water bug survey to investigate the health of local waterways.

"Children were pleased to be out of the classroom and learning about the natural environment," said teacher Ms Sonja Stein.

"They used dip nets to catch small insects and bugs in the waterway and then had to identify each creature.

"They were pleased to report that, although the water level in the creek was lower than when they investigated last month, there was quite a diversity of bugs recorded.

"Some of these included pollution-sensitive bugs such as damselfly nymph and the water mite, which indicates a relatively healthy waterway."

The children also took a sample of the water and carried out other tests such as temperature, acidity, turbidity and salinity in the water.

"There were many discussions about the results and how we could all help improve our waterways and look after all the bugs that live there," said Ms Stein.

"Many key learning areas were used - maths, science, reading, recording, drawing the bugs and environmental issues, which just proves learning can occur inside and outside the classroom."

Media release, November 9 Sonja Stein, Umina Public School