Project Description:

This project is the first step in a multi year/multi grade level outdoor learning curricular plan.  The 6th and 7th grade students as part of their science and math class will  1) identify invasive species in the BCCS grassland and woodlands  2) study the impact invasive species have on the native plant community  3) in 6th collect baseline data for long-term monitoring on invasive species present in the area in connection to their statistics unit in math. After the data collection season is done, in terms of teaching the process of science, it is important to do something with it –students need to realize that scientists don’t just collect data, they

spend a lot of time analyzing it as well. Possible crossover to the 6th grade math unit include

Analyzing overall biodiversity indices for comparison year to year. 4) next will be to have the 7th grade  safely remove invasive species  5) provide justification for the seeding of native grasses to the area to mitigate effects of these invasive populations. 6) understand the importance of maintaining accurate invasive species data to support the restoration of a grassland area. 

The project will be based off of the following Jenison High School project but replicated at a middle school level

Partners:

Kent Conservation

Teachers:
Julie Musch 6th grade Science, Clay lubbers 7th and 8th grade Science

Students:
100

Funder:

Wege Continuation 6

Showcase Video:  https://youtu.be/sRSeowJ-JG0?si=vAQserbn2U_uG8Qz

Project Description:

Kindergarten students explored how God can bring beauty from brokenness by learning about composting and its environmental benefits, integrating science, Bible, and literacy. Through hands-on experiences and community engagement, they became Earth Keepers, publishing a class book to share how they can care for God’s creation.

Partners:
N/A

Teachers:
Hayley Smit, Kindergarten

Students:
N/A

Funder:
The Wege Foundation