Classroom Exploration of Clams and their Habitat

On May 28, 2009, teachers and students at the O’Maley Middle School participated in hands-on exercises designed to teach students about the ecology of the wetland below the school campus. Four separate classes spent 50-minutes learning about the clams and the Mill River, led by Barbara Warren, assisted by University of Vermont summer intern Emily Gardiner. Ninety- eight 6th graders participated.

Students learned about the Mill River watershed and examined several maps that showed the watershed, the river at low tide and again at high tide.

They used refractometers to measure salinity levels of five different water samples. First they used distilled water to calibrate their instruments. Then they worked in teams to establish the salinity of water from four different sections of the estuary. The salinity measurements reflected the freshwater inputs from upstream and the tidal influence downstream.

The habitat needs of soft shell clams were discussed. Students measured (store-bought) clams and learned to age the clams based on a life table developed by Dr. Brousseau (1978) see 2008 Benthic Survey Report, Appendix 6)

Photo of Students:

Testing unidentified water sample

Using refractometer to determine salinity

Measuring clam shell to age

Working in teams to measure salinity of water and clam shell length