Owl Pellet Dissection

Environmental Science students dissected owl pellets in their study of food chains, food webs, and trophic levels. They determined the owl's diet from the bones in their pellet. They also identified and sorted the bones from their pellets.

Field Trip to Clagett Farm

The Environmental Science class went on a field trip to Clagett Farm on November 6, 2008. Clagett Farm is Chesapeake Bay Foundation's sustainable farm. Students did sedimentation studies, planted cover crops, learned about rotation grazing and community supported agriculture, played environmental games, fed the cows, went on a hayride, and played a scavenger hunt in the woods. One of the favorites of the students was a tree with a large hole in the trunk named Sally Sycamore. They took turns trying to fit as many people in the hole. The trip was partially funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

Forensic Analysis of Glass

Forensic Science students are studying the forensic analysis of glass. The lab they are doing includes analysis of glass fractures, determination of density and refractive index of various types of glass, such as borosilicate glass, tempered glass, window glass, and lead crystal glass.

Baltimore-to-the-Bay Field Trip

On October 13, the Environmental Science class went on a field trip to Rocky Run Park near Baltimore. They spent the day on the Marguerite, Chesapeake Bay Foundation's scientific work boat, where they learned to read navigational maps, performed water quality tests of Chesapeake Bay water, trawled for fish, and did biodiversity studies. They also canoed on the Bay and the river and seined for marine life on the shores of the Bay. They learned how human activities had a significant impact on the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. The trip was funded by a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures

Chemistry students performed several experiments on properties of elements, compounds, and mixtures. They observed reactions between vinegar and baking soda, copper chloride solution with aluminum, and electrolysis of water. They also separated components of mixtures using several techniques. Here they are observing the electrolysis of water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

Site Maps

Environmental Science students constructed site maps of mini-ecosystems around HVA campus. Here they are measuring out their site maps and making observations.

Graphical Determination of Density

Chemistry students determined the density of lead, aluminum, and zinc by the displacement method, graphed their results, and calculated the average density based on slope. A majority of the lab groups did very well, with % errors of less than 5%.

Biosphere 3

Environmental Science students did a group project called "Biosphere 3." They designed a self-contained, energy-efficient, closed system on a location of their choice. They had to make a diagram of their biosphere; make lists of occupants and roles, and items that needed to be brought into the biophere; and had to design waste and recycling systems, since they could not exchange any matter with their surroundings. Groups then shared their project with their classmates. They learned that teamwork is absolutely important, not only in a project, but also in real life.

Measurement Lab - SI System

Chemistry and ChemCom students are studying the SI (International System) of units, the main system used in scientific investigations. It is also called the metric system. They have been getting some practice in distance, volume, and mass measurements in the lab to prepare them for doing quantitative scientific experiments.

Science Sleuths at HVA

Forensic Science students are studying fingerprint analysis this week. They prepared fingerprint sheets and classified their fingerprints. They also examined a mock crime scene for fingerprints, applying dusting and fuming techniques, and using a videoscope to enlarge the prints.