School and Group Programs
Stream Monitoring
Students participating in stream monitoring collect samples to detect the presence or absence of certain insects and other small invertebrates. They analyze their samples to determine the health of streams. Yosemite National Park scientists utilize the students' information.
- Students use scientific equipment and methods for hands-on learning.
- Lessons are adapted for all grade levels and are offered throughout the school year.
- Students contribute to Yosemite Institute's long-term stream monitoring program, initiated in 2001.
Stream Monitoring Curriculum
- Yosemite Institute students use the scientific protocols of the California Streamside Biosurvey, created by the State of California Water Resources Control Board. The presence or absence of aquatic insects and other small invertebrates determines water pollution levels.
- Younger students are introduced to aquatic species and stream ecology through catch and release exploration.
- Older students track the presence of particular species throughout the seasons, record habitat data, and use a laboratory for in-depth research.
This water quality scale is used to interpret the data that students chart from the fen and the Merced River at Happy Isles:
Rating Biological Index Description
Excellent greater than 25 Best habitat for biological processes
Good 21-25 Conditions slightly impaired
Fair 15-20 Conditions somewhat impaired
Poor less than 15 Degraded quality and habitat
Learn more about Yosemite National Park's fen restoration project.
Educational resources on stream ecology
