Reflection by Margie, Shahana, Zhuoen & Maria (River Study)

Day 2, 1st June 2010 - The weatherman predicted that it would rain, and indeed it did. The day was spent on collecting river data and analyzing the collected data, as well as familiarizing ourselves with the different river terms.

We started off the day with a lesson in the classroom to help us understand the various river terms better. Following that, we rented boots (also known as 'wellies' in England) from the center, as well as waterproof coats to keep us dry while collecting data. We then split up into our assigned groups and carried buckets that contained the equipment that we needed before boarding the minibuses.

First off, we stopped by a part of the River Brett, where Ms Rachael (one of our teachers at the center) showed us how to measure the width, depth, and how to measure the velocity by using the hydroprop, as well as learn how to categorize and measure the length of the bedload (a technical term to describe sediment found in a river). It started drizzling then and we had to use the hoods on out coats to keep us dry. After that, we headed off to other parts of the River Brett that we were assigned to.

As out group was assigned to Ms Rachael, we headed towards Ash Street to get the data from a section of the river. We started off by measuring the width of the river, and Shereene and Maria measured it by using the measuring tape. Following that, we measured the wetted perimeter, where Zhuoen helped to hold the measuring tape. However, that was when we realized that our initial reading of the width of the river was inaccurate. We then took a second reading, and then measured the depth by dividing the width of the river by six and measuring the depth at the five points.

We then started measuring the velocity of the river. We measured the velocity by placing the hydroprop at the same points where we measured the depth and recorded our readings. Ms Rachael helped us to do this as we didn't really know how to operate a hydroprop. Finally, we collected 10 stones from the river (we collected the ones that were under the big toe of our right foot) and then measured the length and estimating which group it belongs to.

Upon finishing all the tasks that we were assigned to complete, we headed back to the minibuses that brought us back to Flatford Mill.