Lesley Urasky

Urasky wants to help biology students at Rawlins High School understand the complex biotic and abiotic interactions within an ecosystem through an innovative program called, "Water We Waiting For?" Her idea will introduce students to the concept of aquatic ecosystems by allowing them to experience elements of the natural world and observe the interactions. Participants will be able to manipulate variables such as temperature, lighting, pH, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels - variables that are often altered through human interactions with the ecosystem. Students will conduct experiments using scientific inquiry including the performance of tests on the manipulated variables. Students will also develop a Water Quality Index using an analysis of the test results. Ultimately, Urasky hopes students will understand the interrelationships and interdependence among organisms in an ecosystem and explore how human actions impact an ecosystem. Urasky is a resident of Sinclair.