The biochemical technology program at Saunders High School is designed to help prepare students for careers in chemical engineering, forensics, pharmacology, environmental law, environmental engineering, landscaping, urban planning, forestry, medicine, veterinary medicine, horticulture, chemistry, biology, ecology, education, and related fields.
One of the main goals of the broad and encompassing program is to prepare students to work in the field. It is the school’s desire to give students the opportunity to explore various careers in science through shadowing and hands-on work with experts in the field.
“It is this aspect of the program that has led us to work with Bob Walters and Groundwork Hudson Valley for many years,” said one teacher.
“I started working with Bob more than 20 years ago. Saunders biochemical students worked with Bob at Beczak, testing water, hanging lantern nets and measuring oysters. A few students from Saunders presented their work at the Beczak center, where we met members of Groundwork. We started working with them at that time. Our work with Groundwork includes testing Saw Mill River water quality, doing a fish inventory with scientists from Lehman College, implementing an energy use project, and many other projects.
“Recently I have had students work with Bob setting nets and catching fish in the Saw Mill river. Students have also worked with Bob on the eel study. Each year, several students are taught about the American eel by Bob and then trained on how to use the eel mop and properly catch the eels. Students then meet with Bob a few times a week, pull the eel mop and count eels. Students are required to photo document the experience, take field notes that include air and water temperature and weather, time of day, etc. It is a wonderful opportunity. My students and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities that Bob and Groundwork have provided for us.”
An eel mop is a structure designed to hold juvenile (glass) eels. The eel mop mimics suitable habitat for glass eels, leading them to swim inside for a safe haven from the open waters. Eel mops are used to monitor the presence or absence of eels in a body of water.
