HS Science Students Serve Community Through Water Sampling

On September 24, the high school environmental science class took a trip to CAJ’s neighboring river, the Ochiai-gawa, to sample the river’s water.

“We really want to focus on preserving the environment that God has provided us.”

Environmental science teacher Matt Lindsey says the water sampling project has been part of CAJ’s curriculum for about 10 years and was started by former science teacher Yujiro Fujiwara. Students get three chances throughout the year to practice this sampling: once each semester in the Ochiai-gawa, and once in Yamanaka-ko as a part of the 10th grade class’ School Without Walls (SWOW) trip.

According to Lindsey, students test for nitrates, phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, and the temperature levels at different depths. They also take note of the wildlife and plants around the water. The class then submits this data to a global water database.

“In environmental science, we are trying to understand the relationship between humanity and God’s creation,” Lindsey said. “Specifically, we are looking at the role we play in preserving our water sources.”

The Ochiai-gawa has actually significantly improved in its water quality recently. Twenty years ago, the river was one of the dirtiest rivers in Tokyo, but now it is the second cleanest river, according to Lindsey.

Lindsey says the basis of the project is not only to practice environmental science, but to consider this as a way of serving Japan and the world for Christ.

He added, “With one of our student objectives being faithful caretakers, we really want to focus on preserving the environment that God has provided us.”