2008 Joint Annual Meeting (5-9 Oct. 2008): Service-Learning: Investigating Water Pollution from Urban and Rural Areas.

 B. Allen, L. Bruce, and Z. McIntyre^1
1Fort Hays State University, 600 Park Street, Hays, KS 67601 bjallen@scatcat.fhsu.edu, lmbruce@scatcat.fhsu.edu & zgmcintyre@scatcat.fhsu.edu

 Students learn and comprehend subject matter in a variety of ways, but most students would agree that the way they truly retain information is if it involves “hands-on” experience.  Members from the Fort Hays State University (FHSU) Agronomy Club helped collect, interpret and present water data from an on-going water quality research project.   The project allowed students to: 1) study the effects of tillage practices and crop residue as it relates to soil erosion, runoff and sedimentation; 2) study the effects of runoff from urban areas as it relates to water pollution; 3) understand how to measure water quality and the importance of water quality; and 4) interpret water quality measurements.

 Members of the club went out bi-weekly and during rain events (> 50”) collecting water samples from sites in the city of Hays, KS and in rural areas along Big Creek recording the following information: water pH, salinity, specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen (amount and saturation), depth of water flow and rate of water flow.  They then helped determine total suspended solids (soil sediment – TSS) and levels of E. coli (if present).  Members presented data at a Home & Garden Show, informing attendees of concerns along the Big Creek Watershed.  Members also informed the public of ways they could reduce nutrient loading that can ultimately affect everyone’s drinking water. 

 Agronomy Club members agreed that service-learning was an effective activity and provided a more interesting learning environment.   They felt that they were collecting valuable information and that their efforts would help improve the environment.