Establishment of cooperation with Educational Institutions in Sucha
Young students from the Elementary School in Sucha, situated in the Strzelce Opolskie municipality, have embarked on a project to research the variability of large karst springs in the Opole region. Prof. Stanislaw Staśko invited these students to collaborate on observations of the Sucha spring as a part of their geography curriculum. This spring, along with the Rożniątów, Poręba Odrowąż, and Błotnica Strzelecka springs, is a subject of scientific study. Over the last forty years, its discharge has shown significant fluctuations, ranging from 330 l/s to as low as 0 l/s.
The objective of this collaboration is to familiarize students with the primary characteristics of their regional natural environment, emphasizing changes in water relations amid shifting climate conditions. Undertaking joint observations will enhance the students’ knowledge and align with the core curriculum for geography. Students in grades 6 and 7 will monitor water levels and rainfall, equipping them to analyze the data they collect. This hands-on approach will prompt them to question the reasons behind such variability, formulate hypotheses, and propose solutions relevant to the region’s environmental challenges.
During a session with the students, Prof. S. Staśko delivered a lecture on Triassic limestone rocks, karst phenomena, and groundwater trends in the Sucha spring, observed periodically over several decades. In collaboration with Adam Wojtyna, M.A., a water gauge was set up for ongoing observations.
We extend our gratitude to the Director of the Complex of Educational Institutions, Ms. Teresa Furman, MA, and to Jadwiga Lizon, MA, the geography teacher, for their dedication and cooperation. We eagerly await the initial findings.
Continued collaboration with the school in Strzelce Opolskie is planned for observing the Rożniątów spring.
