Introduction

Sasamat Lake is in Belcarra Regional Park. This site was chosen as it is a place where many of the students conducting the experiments like to swim in the summer months. It is often closed towards the end of the year for water quality due to the Canada Goose population at the lake. It is also the site of our canoe unit.

Participants

The experiments were conducted by grade 10 students in School District 43.

Temperature & Conditions

The day of the testing was overcast. Typical April conditions.

Test Location

Shore line testing locations near a public beach and picnic area.

Results & Discussion

The students learned that water quality tests are dependent on many factors including the types of tests used. The time of year (early spring) played a part in our results. We would expect different results if conducting the tests late summer due to temperature differences and more public use of the lake.

Final Thoughts

The students were actively engaged in the water quality testing experiments. It exposed them to scientific practices in a setting that was relevant to them.