SAE Visit

In late May I had the opportunity to learn about a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) of a student at the Pequea Valley High School.  One option for students to conduct an SAE is taking an Advance Research class. This is an elective course, and it is intended for students who enjoy exploring a variety of open-ended scientific or social topics. The students then have to opportunity share their research in Agriscience Fair.

Here the student is collecting
Stoneflies. 

The student I was able to talk to was a rising senior.  Her project was a Research-based SAE that takes place in a few locations; at the Trout Hatchery Paradise Sports Association, some collection sites, and at school. In the project, Stoneflies were used. They serve an essential role in their ecosystem throughout their stages of life. When they are younger, they help break down plant material, and as stoneflies get older, they feed on smaller organisms. Stoneflies they also serve as a good indicator of water pollution and stream health. The project was to test the survival rate of stoneflies to intervals of warming to mimic the effect of climate change.

Above is an image of a system that was
built to allow the student to manipulate
water temperature. 

When meeting with Mr. Masser, the student and he would discuss the data that was found. And they would go over any malfunctions that were encounter through trial runs. The would also discuss any manipulations that the student made and the impacts on the results.

When it comes to observing SAE, I learned its extremely important to visit the location.  There, you can interact with employers, family, whoever the student has contact with; to better assist the student. Being there in person gives you the ability to see their SAE allowing you to understand more clearly what the students are doing. You are able to offer onsite feedback so the student can make corrections faster.
In the future, I look forward to visiting my students SAE !