Description

This resource is a field lesson in river ecosystem metabolism including:

1. A lesson plan that is a lengthy document detailing notes to instructors, content for the lesson, materials list, in field and analysis procedures and useful references.

2. Directions and files for the Diel dissolved oxygen curve matching game (3 files a piece for 9 locations around the world).

3. Data Analysis spreadsheet.

In this field lesson, students will begin with an individual or group reflection on the process of metabolism going on in their own bodies and the exchange of gasses that occur while breathing to provide context and connection to the topic of ecosystem respiration, in case not introduced previously. Next students will be presented an overview of river metabolism as estimated by dissolved oxygen measures and basics about the river(/stream) reaches to be used. This will include basic watershed, geomorphic, and biotic information. Students will then generate predictions and explore dissolved oxygen in the study reach. This background will inform deployment site selection. After discussion to determine proper placement and observing a demonstration of dissolved oxygen logging probe use and deployment, students will deploy an oxygen logger properly for (at least) a 24-hour period. A diel dissolved oxygen curve matching game then provides students opportunity to apply knowledge gained during the entire field lesson to compare streams from around the world. After retrieval, students will calculate reach metabolism values using the data collected. The lesson will ideally be done at base flow conditions at wadeable reaches of run habitat (well-mixed, smooth surface and mostly unidirectional flows are best) over the course of a clear and sunny day. The diel dissolved oxygen curve matching game and replicating this field lesson in space and time will highlight the relative importance of the key drivers of ecosystem metabolism.

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