By Roger McKinney

rmckinney@joplinglobe.com

GALENA, Kan. — Seventh-graders from Linda Phipps’ class on Thursday used test strips, ampules, turbidity tubes and other devices to test the condition of Shoal Creek in Schermerhorn Park.

They tested the water for turbidity, acid, nitrates and nitrites, ammonia, phosphates and E. coli bacteria. Though the pupils have to wait a few days for the results of the E. coli test, the other examinations suggest that Shoal Creek is in good condition.

Crystal Eisele, watershed coordinator with Southeast Kansas Resource Conservation and Development, directed the pupils in their testing. Carl Hayes, chairman of the Spring River Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy group, also was on hand to help.

The pupils first checked the turbidity and found the creek to be pretty clear. They also determined the water temperature. They also were asked to smell their water samples.

“It smells like water,” said Jordan McAllister, 12.

“This is what we want it to smell like,” said Eisele.

Hayes assisted one group of seventh-graders with the E. coli test while Eisele directed pupils in a test for phosphates. After each group completed the procedure, they switched.

Phipps, their teacher, said her pupils have been studying and watching films about how to conduct the tests over the past week or so. She said they have been excited about the idea of doing the testing.

“They take a little bit of ownership in the creek this way,” she said. Phipps said she plans to bring the pupils back to test the water in Shoal Creek, and possibly other locations, at least once a month.

Gage Davis, 12, said he was enjoying the project.

“I think this is pretty fun, and we’re going to learn a lot of stuff about our river, whether it’s polluted or clean,” Davis said.

He said the turbidity test was his favorite thing.

“We got to use the turbidity tubes to see how clear the water was,” he said.