Year 3 - Winchester College River Study

Year 3 were very fortunate to spend two afternoons at Winchester College studying the River Itchen and all the creatures that live in its crystal clear waters. We learnt that the water was clear because the chalk aquifer filters it. We caught invertebrates from the river bottom and sorted them. There were lots of shrimps which indicated that the water was clean.

Using an orange, tape measure and stop watch, we recorded the speed of the river. We did the test 3 times to ensure that it was a fair test. We found the PH of the river was PH7 which meant it was NEUTRAL and good for the fish.

Using our special glasses, we saw the sheltered area where Atlantic salmon spawn, laying 25,000 eggs after travelling over 6,000 miles. They use their sense of smell to navigate.