Introduction

The Science Rendezvous Water Quality kit made its rounds to First Nations University of Canada (Regina, Saskatchewan) during the National First Nations and Inuit Science Camp (sponsored by INAC) in July 2017. It was used on July 21st at the east-most shore of Echo Lake in the Saskatchewan Qu’appelle Valley by students who were attending the camp. Two sites were tested to ensure accurate results.

Participants

Two large ~25-student groups from the National First Nations and Inuit Science Camp.

Temperature & Conditions

It was a beautiful day with sun and scatter clouds. At site one the air and water temperature was 25.5 and 21.0 degrees Celsius, respectively. At site two the air and water temperature was 28.0 and 21.5 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Test Location

The testing was conducted at the shore at both the east end of the lake.

Results & Discussion

The students had a great time exploring Echo Lake and learning about water and ecosystem health. The kits were fairly easy to use for demonstrators and youth participants that are in high school and/or have some basic experience in the sciences (with general experimental/“lab” experience being a major plus). For students at grade school level, multiple demonstrators/helpers are required. It is very helpful to discuss the experiments before any fieldwork, especially so that the Water Quality Index, methods and objectives, and ecosystem involved can be covered in detail.