[PAEE] D-nets vs. kick nets for 6th & 7th graders

Sun Aug 31 08:05:13 EDT 2008

John,

I agree kick nets are the best fun.  There's nothing like kids doing a jig in the stream.  Do you have enough kick nets.  They can run a $125 a piece.
I bought a good one, and made 6 more.  Buy 2 broom poles/handles and fine wire or plastic screen from a hardware store.  I also had someone donate heavy duty fabric.  In the beginning, I used a heavy duty stapler to staple the nets to the poles.  Make sure to fold the water end of the mesh to make it finer.  Staple the double folded fabric.  Like magic, a new kit net for about $5!  After use, we refined.  I had a volunteer who worked at a sewing fabric w/ heavy duty machines.  She sewed 2 long fabric loops on the mesh (just like the "real" kick nets you can buy). 
I've had them for 7 years, & they're still going!  I use the kit nets a little different than Ruth.  Find a good riffle, then 2 students (one to hold each pole) & then 2 in front of the net (make sure to anchor the bottom of the net down in the stream w/ rocks) dancing around.

It is always good to have at least one good D-net on hand for the shy kid who wants to work by themselves.  PLus, I always have extra aquarium nets (large size) since I usually have at least 25 kids at once to do a stream study.

Carissa Longo
Carissa51 at hotmail.com

From: rroperti at zoominternet.net
To: nick at henshue.org; jjose at ptd.net
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:03:09 -0400
CC: paee at actionpa.org
Subject: Re: [PAEE] D-nets vs. kick nets for 6th & 7th graders

John and all, I agree with Nick! I use a couple of 
kick nets with 6th grade level students at Lake Arthur, Moraine State Park, and 
it works VERY well. I have 2 students work the net, one holding each pole. They 
walk out into the lake to a point just below their boot tops (It is fall or 
spring and the water is cold.) Then walk the net back toward shore. Other 
students meet them with containers for the critters and plants found. It is a 
great project for working together. 

Yes Nick, we did get your good ideas about night 
programming, and I too am a BIG fan of the Identiflyer. The sounds are 
so true and real. By the way - where is Easton High School? Keep the good ideas 
coming, AND if you are into writing them down - there is always room in the PAEE 
JOURNAL! Thanks, Ruth

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: 
  Mr. Henshue 

  To: John Jose 
  Cc: PAEE 
  Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2008 7:43 
  PM
  Subject: Re: [PAEE] D-nets vs. kick nets 
  for 6th & 7th graders

Kick nets all the way, baby!!!
  What is better than having kids up to their knees slopping around in the 
  water? Waders are optional, shoes are not...

  Nick Henshue
  Environmental Sciences
  Easton Area High School

  P.S. Did you guys get my message about nocturnal programming 
  and an audio track?

  On Aug 28, 2008, at 10:02 PM, John Jose wrote:

    I’m going to be doing some 
    stream/benthic macroinvertebrate investigations with 6th and 
    7th grade students and I’m trying to determine whether D-nets or 
    kick nets will work better. 

    I’d appreciate feedback based on 
    anyone’s experience using D-nets and/or kick nets – including if you found 
    one type of net worked better than the other - to collect macroinvertebrates 
    with 6th/7th graders. Thanks. 

    John

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