WWF-OTS Costa Rica
2000
Bob Burtch
Contents
Work Information
Job Title
LIFE SCIENCE TEACHER – SEVENTH GRADE
Department or workgroupme text.
SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT
Contact Information
E-mail address text.
robertburtch@chicago.avenew.com
Office phone
630 879-5074
Current Projects
At Batavia Middle School we have a
number of environmental topics that we pursue from August to December. Our year starts by training students how to
do chemical and macroinvertebrate testing at the Fox River which is a river in
town that is close enough for students to hike to. We use hach and lamotte kits to test for ph, nitrates,
phosphates, DO, total solids, fecal coliform.
We seine to do macroinvertebrate testing. This year we are adding Pasco probes to use at the river to add
technology component.
After our river study we prepare students for field trip to Fermilab Prairie. Students learn various prairie plants, and instruments to use while at the prairie. Students do a quadrat study, abiotics study, and a lab component using computers and microscopes.
Our next topic is the study of groundwater. We use groundwater models and stations to teach basic concepts and then we use the SEPUP module “The Fruitvale Story.” Students are taught about ppm, ph, plumes, point source and nonpoint source pollution. Students have to then work in small groups. They are given a story of the problem to take notes from. 48 wells are placed around the room. They have $36,000 and each well costs $3,000. Groups are competing against each other to get the best plume.
Fox River testing – biological and
chemical, field trip
Fermilab prairie – labs and field trip
Groundwater – “The Fruitvale Story”
Biographical Information
Greetings to everyone.
I taught fifth grade for 20 years and 9 years at Batavia Middle
School. We have 450 middle school
students – average class size is 30-32.
I have been involved in a number of science organizations throughout my
career. I even served a stint on the
NSTA Board of Directors. I have been
fortunate to be a Presidential Awardee.
I am currently typing this information from San Jose Costa Rica as a
Woodrow Wilson teacher studying on a fellowship. Past experiences have included study in East Africa and
Ecuador. Also studied astronomy in
Flagstaff, AZ in the ASTRA program,
Johnsson Space Center in the NEWEST program.
I love environmental issues and getting students into the field. I also teach a course for teachers at
Wheaton College.
Personal Interests
Golf
Biking
Travel