Bugs tell tales. Our community stream investigation CSI activity is based on this. We use the presence of bugs ( in this case macroinvertebrates) to gauge the quality of the waters in our streams and rivers. The beauty of this water testing method is , it is free and in “real time”. CSI is sponsored by CIMB, Prince Tunku Imran and Mr Paul Chuah and is another popular environmental based activtiy here. This activity would not be possible without our vice president Dr Liau Tai Leong and his volunteers especially Miss Melody Woon.
On the 4th of October , they conducted a CSI programme for 32 students and teachers from Convent Primary School in Tanah Rata ( SK Convent) .
Dr Liau first briefed the students on the physical and biological indicators of water quality. The highlight of this programme is to search for the bugs in the streams and rivers .
Pictures of the bugs are given to aid identification. Different bugs tell different tales. Macroinvertebrates such as dragonfly larvae and water pennies are only found in very clean water while leeches and mosquito larvae are found in dirty water.The students then trooped down to the dirty stream to start their bug finding.
The mini water creatures were identified with the help of experienced CSI volunteer Melody who waded into the water too. (Well,the boys were quite brave but the girls seemed a bit wary of getting into the dirty river.)
Later they adjourned to Sungai Pauh, a clean mountain stream and everyone waded in because the stream was just too inviting.
The resident fresh water crab probably scruttled under the rocks to escape this lively group.
The programme concluded with the students presenting their findings and Dr Liau summarising.
