Strathdevon Primary

In 2013 Strathdevon Primary 2/3s undertook a 'River Invertebrates' project and they learned about 'The History of Dollar Burn'. The same project was undertaken by P4/5s in 2014.

The pupils river-dipped Kelly Burn to assess how healthy the water is by looking for ‘indicator mini beasts’ such as caddisfly larva and freshwater shrimp. Pupils identified freshwater invertebrates and learned that different invertebrates live in the water depending on how polluted it is and that the various species can be used as indicators as to the health of the water. Pupils became mini scientists and tested for water clarity and pH levels. Pupils compared river samples to pond samples, looking for similarities and differences of ‘indicator mini beats’. Pupils realised how important invertebrates are to other river animals by studying food chains.

As part of 'The History of Dollar Burn' project, pupils learned how the Mill Green got its name. They learned that, while water power was sometimes very useful, it could also be terribly dangerous, as demonstrated by the destructive flood of 1877. Pupils also found out about the Glen Committee, which was formed in the 19th century to improve access to the Glen, and they learned that people used to have to pay to get into the Glen. They visited Dollar Museum and Mill Green, plotting key features - such as the ruins of the former mill - on a map.

Click below to see the The Invertebrate Games, the animation made by the 2014 class about their River Invertebrates project!

Click below to see the The Magic School Bus at Kelly Burn, the animation made by the 2013 class about their River Invertebrates project!