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Day1: Watershed

What is the impact of human activity on our local rivers and lakes?

Day1: Watershed is a year-long program that offers you the opportunity to engage in the efforts of our local community to improve the water quality of the greater Holland area and larger Lake Michigan ecological systems. You and your classmates will use your knowledge of science, mathematics and engineering to tackle this environmental challenge.

Before classes begin, immerse yourself in this research program alongside other first-year students and devoted faculty. In the field, you and your team will measure sedimentation rates and the level of phosphate runoff into Lake Macatawa. In the lab, you’ll use advanced laboratory equipment and techniques to identify and quantify the microbial populations found within the watershed.

At the end of each semester, you and your team will assess your research using statistical analysis and present your findings. Your research will help the on-going remediation efforts of the community based program, Project Clarity, which aims to improve water quality throughout the entire Lake Macatawa watershed.

Community details

Combines a first-year seminar course with a year-long introductory science lab that replaces a chemistry lab and a biology lab
Begins with a week-long, pre-college experience collecting samples in the field and exploring the local watershed
Work to improve the Holland community by studying the impacts of human activity on the Lake Macatawa watershed by measuring water purity and microbial populations in the local watershed
Live with other science-, math- and engineering-minded students your first year in a vibrant living-learning community based in the recently updated Lichty Hall
Meet peer research mentors — older students who will help guide you throughout your first year at Hope — before the pre-college research experience the week of August 20th
Members of this community receive funding for an experiential learning opportunity during the summer following freshman year

Day1: Watershed puts technology in your hands to help as you perform research1/11
Engage in meaningful and cohesive lab work from the very first days of class2/11
Day1: Watershed allows you to go out into the field before classes start3/11
Work collaboratively to explore the issues facing the local watershed4/11
Form meaningful relationships with peers from different backgrounds 5/11
Your lab experiences use real science as you investigate critical issues 6/11
Work collaboratively to explore the issues facing the local watershed7/11
Learn how a lab works through experience8/11
Work with groups as you explore the issues facing the local environment 9/11
Learn to collect data and interpret what it means10/11
What sort of issues are facing our local watershed?11/11