On May 29 and 30, 2023 our STEM Innovation Academy grade 8 classes boarded a bus for a day of citizen science with the Riverwatch Science Program in Calgary.

The RiverWatch Science Program, centered around the magnificent Bow River, has emerged as a pioneering initiative, allowing students to actively participate in the scientific process. By comparing conditions above and below the City of Calgary’s Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant, students gain firsthand experience in assessing the environmental health of the river. This program not only educates but empowers students to become environmental stewards through hands-on scientific exploration.

Equipped with paddles, students power their rafts along the river and typically stop at two shore-line locations. Unfortunately, due to high water on our scheduled dates, we were only able to stop at one location to test water quality. While at our testing site, STEMIA students conducted a variety of tests on the river water including pH, temperature, turbidity, invertabrate counts and more. By actively engaging in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the river’s ecological dynamics.

The RiverWatch Science Program showcases the combined efforts of hundreds of thousands of students across Alberta actively participating in this unique initiative by publishing an extensive database of water quality information gathered by students, providing valuable insights into the health of our rivers. To visualize the impact of their work, RiverWatch offers an online and responsive graphing tool. By visiting https://www.riverwatch.ca/data-reports/, anyone can access the graphs generated from student data, offering a snapshot of the river’s condition and the program’s far-reaching impact.