Hands-on experience is an important part of developing the skills of scientific enquiry, and can be great fun too! During our school's recent visit to the Maekok River study Centre, at Thaton, our students gained lots of hands-on experience and also had the opportunity to take part in a variety of team building exercises. The trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Day 1 - We travelled to Thaton during the morning and then after lunch instructors provided team building games for the students, which were enthusiastically undertaken. After dinner the first classroom session introduced the basis of the work to be covered over the next two days. The main instructor explained that the impact of increasing population, plus the use of shifting agriculture and mono cultivation, has lead to not just the loss of rainforest but has also dramatically altered water flow and water quality of the rivers. The students responded well to his approach and eagerly supplied answers to questions, displaying a good appreciation of what the issues raised involved. The work for the following days was then outlined and work booklets provided by the Centre issued. The late evening free time was filled by instructors providing evening field games, again enthusiastically greeted by the students.

Day 2 - This was given over to a study of water quality along the Mea Ai River from towards its source in the forested mountains through its course to the town of Mae Ai. The river itself continues into the Maekok River and ultimately the Mekong. Three sites were used and in each water temperature, turbidity, rate of flow, cross sectional area and species identification were undertaken by 5 groups of students. The banks of the river were also studied for their riparian cover, connectivity to the forest and quality of the plant cover. After lunch the students had opportunity to try out archery and climbing at the facilities provided on site. Post dinner was devoted to a classroom session to compile and tabulate the data collected from each group. Calculations were done to workout river discharge, flow rate and species index for water quality at all three sites. This was followed by a discussion to analyse the findings and consider how much of an impact had been observed.

Day 3 - This day was given over to soil analysis. Initial classroom time was given to demonstrate what was to be done in terms of data collection and what techniques were to be used in finding out infiltration rates of water, the % of water in a sample and particle size distribution. The day began with a visit to Thanaton orange farm to look at what the impacts of such large scale farming are, and also some of the measures that the company is taking to lessen their impact on the environment. Not all growers take this aspect of responsibility as seriously. Soil samples were then collected at two nearby sites, one showing regular shifting cultivation and another at the edge of secondary forest (all primary forest has been removed in the Mae Ai valley region). After lunch the dried soils samples were tested for their water content, texture and particle size. A visit followed to the organic farm run by the Centre, on site, providing their vegetable and fruit supply. Organic farming principles and methods were then outlined in the final classroom session.

The final evening was given to the confidence course where students could take part in completing a series of really challenging exercises.

The students took part in all activities with enthusiasm and demonstrated a most positive approach. This was commented on by all the instructors, where the general consensus was that Lanna students were a most enjoyable group to work with. The students behaved very well and from their comments found it an enjoyable and educating experience.

Mr Alan and Mr Phillip

To see lots more photos from this trip Click Here