The Benjamin Logan Environmental Science Club members launched their activities for 2025 by delving into the study of daphnia, a type of small crustacean that is a crucial part of the food web in many aquatic environments.
Twenty-five members, under the guidance of their instructors, used compound light microscopes to observe and record the surprisingly rapid heart rates of these transparent creatures, with some heartbeats reaching up to 300 beats per minute.
The exploration continued outdoors at the Benjamin Logan Land Lab despite the winter chill, where students engaged in observing and recording the subtle beauties of nature during winter, guided by Catherine Carter, Logan County Land Trust director.
Carter introduced the students to the practice of keeping a nature journal, encouraging them to record and reflect on their surroundings with a scientist’s eye.
The session culminated in a creative display of the students’ observations through various art mediums back in the classroom. This artistic endeavor was complemented by the warmth of hot chocolate and homemade cookies.
The club, now in its eighth year, continues to offer a diverse range of activities, including guest speakers, dissections, and service projects like constructing habitat structures on school grounds.
It is co-sponsored by the Benjamin Logan School District and the Logan County Land Trust, with leadership from educators Bruce Smith, Bob Stoll, Spencer Reames, Ryan Kerns and Carter.
For more information about the Environmental Science Club or to support its activities, contact Bruce Smith at [email protected]. To learn more about the initiatives of the Logan County Land Trust and how you can contribute, visit logancountylandtrust.org.