Tri-State Steelheaders make science fun for Pioneer students

Members of the Tri-State Steelheaders recently visited Pioneer Middle School to work with students on its Watershed Health Evaluation Program. Students in Angie Butler’s science class the evaluated water quality of Garrison Creek.

Pioneer students studied parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and turbidity. They also investigated riparian health, aquatic invertebrates, and hydrology of the site. Since 1996 the Steelheaders have collaborated with teachers from schools in Walla Walla, College Place, Asotin, Clarkston, Touchet, Waitsburg, Burbank, and Prescott to give students hands-on experience collecting watershed data.  

The primary function of the program is to collect valuable data and allow students to have fun doing science. It also provides students an experience with the technical equipment typically used by water quality professionals.