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.