How Muddy is the Muddy River?

Patreka J. Wood-Blain Boston Public Schools

What is Urban Ecology? • Relatively new area of science •  Focuses on the affects of urbanization on

the health of the ecosystems •  The Urban Ecology Institute educates

students about their environment through hands-on exploration of the unique ecology at each field site.

The Muddy River

•  Encompasses 5.6 square miles •  Flows through Boston, Brookline & Newton •  Part of the Charles River Watershed

Muddy River Restoration Project

Exploring Your Field Site •  Scavenger Hunt •  Social Ecology Site

Survey •  Mapping Your Field

Site

Water Quality Test Kits •  Dissolved Oxygen •  Nitrates •  Salinity •  pH •  Water Quality Data

Sheets

Developing a Research Question • What Makes a Good Research Question? • Card Sort Game •  Finding a Good Question • Designing Your Study

Gathering Data •  Site Survey Data Sheets •  UEI Database

Sharing Research •  The Student Urban Research Gathering

on Ecology (SURGE!) conference in March

•  The Annual Student Research Conference in May allow students to showcase their work for fellow students

For More Information • www.muddyriver.wikispaces.com •  Visit www.urbaneco.org •  Email pwood2@boston.k12.ma.us