5/13/13

Today, our group went out into and around the stream again, taking measurements such as the length of the delta at the top of the stream, width of where the cement substrate ends, length between two major pollution areas filled with shopping carts, plastic bags, and even taking note of some foreign blue liquid at one end.

In addition to measuring delta length, distance between major pollution sites and more, we also measured the amount of dissolved oxygen within the stream water as well as the temperature using a water quality assessment kit.

During the process of measuring out the width of the cement break as well as taking note of the length of the cement between the stream bend and cement break, I had sketched out numerous measurements of the stream as well as marked off several notable landmarks.


Khali taking the temperature of the stream.












Taking measure of the delta length.



Sketch of stream measurements and points of interest.

5/8/13

Today, my group and I (we are responsible for mapping the stream next to the school for future reference) measured the depth of the stream, as well as assessing the stream quality. We analyzed and assessed the stream by measuring the canopy, types of organisms preset, turbidity, and more going by the HHEI form, which tests for water quality and assess the overall condition of the water in the area. We measured from the start of the stream (bridge) to 200 feet downstream.

Since today we did not have a water assessment kit of any kind with us, tomorrow we are planning on bringing such a kit in order to test the water for multiple qualities, such as definite turbidity, pH levels, and dissolved oxygen. However, from what we could see, the stream was extremely overrun with man-made and recyclable objects such as plastic, paper, and the like. Along the way, many, many shopping carts were spotted at various locations and groups throughout the stream, as well as innumerable plastic buckets and plastic bags, and even a few styrofoam plates amongst other objects.

Below are some visual examples of the toxicity and condition of the stream. This part of the stream is what had stretched around to the back of the school and past it.

Location: The stream behind the jagged field next to Dollar General

Mound Laser Rain Garden Trip

4/29/13

On the 29th, the 10th grade class of the Dayton Regional STEM School walked to Mound Laser & Photonics Center to assist in setting up a bioswale.

There were several assistants there to explain what we were doing, how we were doing it, and why. We were provided beforehand with a truckful of mulch, several buckets, shovels, and plants marked off at different locations to be dug there.

Groups were split into three people each, with every person often with their own job. For my group, I was shoveling out the dirt in accordance to the marked off areas.

After one group was finished with their marked off plot, that group would help another in order to work within the timeframe provided.

Below is a picture of the group of tenth graders that had went that afternoon.

965 Capstone, Suite 308
Miamisburg, OH 45342

Job Shadowing Altima Inc.
5/3/13

At  the Dayton Regional STEM School, students are provided many opportunities throughout the year in order to get involved with a certain career path, to learn more about a specific field, or to generally acquire knowledge. One of the many things DRSS does is provide "Job Shadowing" days for students.

This last Friday was a Job Shadowing day for the 9th and 10th graders at DRSS. I had the opportunity of spending the day with Aptima Inc. (http://www.aptima.com/) staff with several other classmates attending the job shadowing at their building. Throughout the day, we had all participated in a number of activites and tours around the building such as a demonstration / overview of what Aptima does as well as performing a presentation on how we (three groups of three people each) would make math a more enjoyable subject for those who do not find it applicable or fun.

One such event was during lunch, where we had the opportunity of asking questions in an interview-like fashion to Altima employees. Questions often involved what their career paths required of them, such as levels of education and dedication / self-application to the job. I had personally asked of a current programmer there of what prerequisites he had to being employed, how mentally demanding is his job, and what he liked most about it.

Aptima Inc. Dayton building:

Aptima, Inc.
3100 Presidential Drive, Suite 220Fairborn, OH 45324