Wasatch Elementary students took a field trip to Little Cottonwood Canyon to learn about the geology and ecology of the mountains and streams. WEST fellow Elliot Wilkinson led the students through an experiment where bugs were collected from a stream both above and below a source of contamination. Students then identified the bugs and were able to determine relative pollution levels by the species present.
Students learn about the geology of Little Cottonwood Canyon
Fellows Winston Seiler and Lis Cohen explain how the U-shaped Little Cottonwood Canyon was formed by glacial ice.
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Students check out the streambed for signs of weathering and erosion
Wasatch Elementary students search the streambed for signs of weathering and erosion. Students also identified many different rock types and determined that they came from various locations up canyon.
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Students test water
Students tested the pH of the stream water near the source of mine water contamination.
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Collecting bugs
WEST fellow Elliot Wilkinson helps students collect and examine bugs from the stream bed.
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Stream crossing
Students and teachers from Wasatch Elementary search for the safest place to cross the stream near Alta. Some students still managed to get a little wet!
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Students use collection net
Students use a collection net to gather macroinvertebrates from the bottom of the stream. The bugs were then put into ice cube trays for inspection and identification.
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