Fifth Day: May 23, 2018 

Today we went to The Narrows, a nature park located in Beavercreek. We met up with a ranger and volunteers at the park, and split up into two groups. Our group first went with the volunteers to the river at the park, where we learned about runoff and acid rain. The park volunteers asked us questions about chemistry, which we were able to answer with our previous knowledge of the topic. After their lecture, we took water samples and tested the water’s pH and temperature. When I took my water sample, I took a few small fish with it by accident. Afterwards, we switched with the other group, and took a guided hike through the forest where we learned about different plants and animals. After eating lunch, we went up to the hilltop and went into the indoor plant and animal facility. There, we viewed reptiles and other animals; we even got to hold a black rat snake. When we got back to school, we created scripts for an informational animal documentary, and presented after the yoga session.

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When the park workers asked us questions about chemistry, it reminded me about a few days prior when we took water samples with the city of Dayton. We had the intention of swimming in the river at the park, but we were told that wasn’t allowed because the water level had risen from previous rains. The water was 65 degrees, but it felt way too cold to swim in comfortably. I realized how rain from one city can affect the river in another. When it rained, it occurred further up the river, but as time went on, it made the water further down the river cloudy and brown.