Project Description:
Students observed and recorded plants and some animal vertebrates and
invertebrates in the prairie and forest on Kent City property. They
then studied animals that are native to the area and looked for
evidence of those animals. They found evidence of deer and raccoon,
plus several invertebrates. While students were surprised that there
was a variety of grasses, they soon realized we were missing a variety
of plants. They then went through and looked at the options available
to them and decided on coneflowers and black-eyed susans in the spring
planting to help increase butterfly populations. Students then studied
conservation efforts of John Ball Zoo and visited the zoo to see what
they do for conservation and how they get their messaging across.
Students decided on the flowers to try and help the Poweshiek
skipperling, and knowing that adding more varieties in our ecosystem
that we can help in the future.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
They are already showing a change in stewardship. Small things such
as picking up the classroom, after school events and aware of what
they’re eating and throwing away. They’ve made the connection that
they too are connected to the environment, even if they are not always
in it.
Partners:
Grow Wise Learning LLC, Lower Grand River Organization of
Watersheds, John Ball Zoo
Teachers:
Tara Lafferty, 7th & 8th Grade, Science; Justin Harding, 6th
& 7th Grade, Science
Students:
240
Funder:
The Baldwin Foundation
Showcase Video: https://youtu.be/RuY4VUGH6k8
Project Description:
We wanted to have the students take an active role in connecting the
greenhouse water system to a sustainable source of water. We
partnered with Carlos from WMEAC to create rain barrels. Carlos came
out and worked with about 20 students in our after-school greenhouse
club to build and connect the rain barrels. Next, we wanted those
rain barrels to support a hydroponics system. Billie found a new
partner at The Thumb, in Rockford. The owner, Mr. Josh came out to KC
and taught us and our students how to set up a circulating hydroponics
system. The system uses circulating water with nutrients and PH
control. We planted tomatoes, cilantro, peppers, kale, and other
vegetables. In the past month, we have taken every class out to see
the plants. The system has been very successful and our plants are
huge! We are looking forward to expanding the system in the fall.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
I think many of these students found the hydropic gardening very
interesting and successful. I heard from many of their families that
students came home and shared about what they were learning. I think
students have a greater understanding of how food is grown, the
process and amount of work it takes. Not only that, but they now
recognize what a pepper plant, kale plant and a tomato plant look
like! They understand the necessity of controlling climate for plants
and how the climate and materials need to be monitored and maintained.
They are considering water and it’s source along with it’s connection
and importance to growing our food. I hope these students convince
their families to try growing their own food with hydroponics.
Partners:
WMEAC, The Thumb
Teachers:
Nicole Andreas, K-5, STEM/CS; Billie Freeland, K-5, STEM
Students:
19
Funder:
NOAA (BWET Program)
Showcase Video: https://youtu.be/xloYL4VgwDc?si=mIOWYkrtaZ9vsi_R
