Students enjoyed a day at the Ashley Gorge river and tracks to finish off their water topic in Science.

In week 7 this term the whole of Year 7&8 took off to the river for a day. Luckily the weather was kind and the water was not too cold, although there were quite a few leaky gumboots by the end of the day! 

The aim of the river survey was to assess the health of the river using a variety of measurements. 

Students collected lots of data including flow rates, depths, sediment size and turbidity (cloudiness). 

They also carried out a invertebrate analysis and identified as many of the species present as possible using a key.

When all the sampling was complete, the data was taken back to the classroom to be entered onto the chart and analysed.

The result? All four classes found that the river is in good health at this location. There is an abundance of invertebrate life and flow and algae levels are indicative of high water quality.

The second part of the day was a walk on the recently opened phase 2 of the Ashley Gorge track network, ending up at the waterfall.

Well done to all who made it to the falls, especially Mr Smith and Ms Faulkner who trekked up and back twice!

Thanks to all the parents who assisted on the day and the other OAS staff who helped to make it such a success.