Mars Area Centennial School fifth-graders are studying water resources and conservation as part of the Mars Area Water Protection Program.

Each fall, the students travel to Breakneck Creek, which runs through Mars Area School District, to study the physical, chemical and biological properties of the watershed.

With guidance from Mars Area High School student volunteers and science teachers, fifth-graders test the temperature, depth and speed of the stream as well as pH levels. The students also collect biological samples such as crayfish, minnows and mayflies.

The field trips are part of the Mars Area Water  Protection Program, which employs a hands-on, cross-curricular approach to train high school students in hydrogeological content and technology. High-schoolers then impart their knowledge to fifth-graders through the field trips to Breakneck Creek.

Through the Mars Area Water Protection Program, high school students have been studying water in the area for more than 25 years, under the direction of Mars Area High School’s science department. For more information, call (724) 625-1581.