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Fifteen students in Todd Scarlett’s Environmental Biology Laboratory are conducting a semester-long study of the Catawba River Basin. The students have been studying the industries and activities in the Catawba Basin that use and affect the river. The purpose of this lab is to give the students a better understanding of the major environmental issues in their area and how they relate to one another.
"By taking part in this lab, students gain a better perspective of the issues facing the river," Scarlett said.
His students are not just sitting in a classroom, however; they have the opportunity to experience these things firsthand.
"The lab allows us to put the things we learn in the classroom into use," said student Lindsay Stepp. "It is nice to leave the classroom, and I really enjoy the hands-on activities. Lab is a lot of fun and it’s a great way to learn.”
The students also hear from representatives from Bowater, Duke Energy, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and Brewer Gold Mine about their uses and impacts on the river. Using what they’ve learned, students then predict water quality at four different sites, based on the dominant industries and activities in those areas. To test their predictions, students then collect data on water quality and stream health at the Catawba River and two of its tributaries: Cane Creek and Waxhaw Creek. "Using the scientific process in this way encourages a deeper understanding of how our actions influence the environment," Scarlett said.
The final two weeks of the lab course focus on community involvement. First, Lindsay Pettus, president of the Katawba Valley Land Trust, speaks to the students about how citizens can get involved in issues—environmental or otherwise—to improve their communities. The students finish the lab by taking part in a community service project, such as picking up trash along the river.
The service project emphasizes the importance of getting personally involved and giving back to the community, Scarlett said.
"This is definitely the most successful teaching endeavor I have ever undertaken because I believe the students learn so much from the experience.”
For more information about this course, contact Scarlett by phone at 864-313-7031 or by e-mail at TLScarle@gwm.sc.edu.
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