Trainer: Galina Frolova (Russia)

In 1983 graduated from Lobachevsky State university (biological department, ecology chair) in Nizny Novgorod (former Gorki). From 1984 to 2003 worked as hydrobiologist in the Hydrometeorology services of Nizny Novgorod and Rybinsk, carried out ecological monitoring of Upper Volga reservoirs. In 1997 organized creative association‚ Ecological monitoring‚ for the senior school pupils in Rybinsk Children's Ecological Centre. There I taught to pupils the basis of research activity, they fulfilled educational scientific works on various ecological problems. In 2007 I continued education of senior schoolboys and schoolgirls in Moscow. Annually from 1998 to 2008 my students became participants and laureates of municipal, regional, all-Russian and international levels.
In 2004 I became candidate of science in hydrobiology.
My hobbies: home flowers and Russian lyrical song.

Assistant trainer: Mikhail Litvinov (Russia)

In 1982 graduated from Lomonosov’s Moscow State university (biological department, biochemistry chair). Studied biochemical changes in divers. Now I work as an editor in a scientific popular journal “Chemistry and Life” and as a teacher of biology in senior classes in a Moscow school.

Title of the Project: " Water Reservoirs"

Dear friends! We'd like to offer you the investigation of natural water reservoirs of Moscow region.
In Russia, like in other countries, the development of industry, agriculture and municipal services often leads to the pollution of rivers and ponds. We may estimate the degree of pollution by researching living organisms (hydrobionts) of natural water reservoirs, including animals and plants. For this purpose we examine phytoplankton (microalgae), zooplankton (invertebrate animals swimming in water) and zoobenthos (invertebrate animals living on bottom or near bottom). In the presence of polluting substances some species from these groups disappear, some increase in quantity. During our work we shall determine the composition of microalgae and animals and try to estimate the quality of water in water objects.

The purpose of the work
To estimate the degree of pollution of natural water reservoirs by investigating microalgae and invertebrate animals.

The tasks of the work
1. Excursions to natural water reservoirs (rivers or ponds) and taking the samples of water and bottom.
2. Study of microalgae and invertebrate animals in laboratory, their determination, taking photographs, data analyses.
3. Estimation of the purity of water objects.
4. Preparing of the report and participation in the final conference.

The participants of the program
Students of 9-11th grades interested in hydrobiology and water ecology can take part in the program.

Results
The project suggests complex examination and assessment of some natural water ecosystems in Moscow region.

Schedule
The program will take 30 hours.
Day 1 and 2.
Morning: Excursion to natural water reservoirs (rivers or ponds), their description and taking the samples of water and bottom.
Afternoon: Sorting of zoobenthos organisms. Filtration of phytoplankton samples.
Day 3 and 4.
The determination of phytoplankton and zoobenthos organisms. Taking photographs.
Day 5.
Estimating the water quality by means of indicating species using computer and statistical programs.
Preparing the presentation (report) for the final conference.
Day 6.
* Action Let's make the river clean.
Presentation on the final conference.