Project Description: 

Overview & Purpose

We would like to create three separate trail’s with markers and QR codes in the woods behind Lake Hills Elementary. The trial markers will be used to establish where the trails are and the QR codes can be used as a brain break fitness and a nature learning walk. Lake Hills fourth grade students will design and create trail markers for the trails as a legacy project. We plan to use these trails during physical education class for hikes, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Teachers and classes will be able to use the trail as a brain break and also to learn about and discover their natural surroundings near the shore of lake Michigan. To learn more about our setting and outdoor physical education program please visit: https://matulispe.weebly.com/whats-new.html

Objectives:

1. Locate Trail marking materials. 
2. Create three separate trail markers. (approximately  40 markers per trail)
3. Attach visible trail markers on trees creating a designated path for classes to follow. 
4. Link QR codes to information  (approximately 10 codes per trail).

Further Clarification: These QR codes are a great interaction. Using QR codes or similar for info on invasive species is a great way to educate and incorporate that community tie-in. Can you please describe how these QR codes create stewards of this natural area?

Our 4th graders have been working extremely hard on developing the QR Code templates (via google slides) and interactive components for each subtopic. At this point, you can see the nine areas of focus for the QR Codes that will be on the Nature Identification Trail by viewing this website: https://sites.google.com/ghaps.org/lake-hills-learning-trails/home#h.gvsehco7q4ab

We believe that students will gain a desire to be good stewards of our school's nature when they are made aware of the area's history, and the plants and animals that call it their home. The two fourth grade classes at Lake Hills elementary are the ones working on the trail's as a legacy project to leave behind as they transition to 5th grade at another building. The fourth grade students are currently working on this project in their STEM, Physical Education, and Art classes. The trails would be used, however, by classroom teachers to take their students out on brain brakes. It will also be used during P.E. class for hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. Our school is a Young 5's through 4th grade building.

Partners:

North Ottawa County Parks, Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commision

Teachers:

Mike Matulis, 4th Grade, Physical Education; Leslie Wampler, 4th Grade, Reading; Nick Tejchma, 4th Grade, Reading; Christian Doctor, 4th Grade, Art

Students:

54

Funder:

MiSTEM

Showcase Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llyK9N5I2Fc&list=PLV2DqaYFEsPwEUUHkVf4EWeARMMgZa9NL&index=16&ab_channel=GroundswellMichigan