Project Description:
In an effort to reduce nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, East Kentwood freshmen analyzed the water quality of the Buck Creek watershed and transformed a section of the school campus. Students began by completing a comparative water quality analysis of a Buck Creek tributary (on the campus of EKFC) and Buck Creek. Students used the data to assess EKFC’s NPS pollution impact on the surrounding watershed. Students then researched topics related to native plants and water quality in their English class, culminating in a research paper and bibliography. In addition, the students tested soil in several areas of the courtyard, then grew and planted native flowers and grasses for the garden to improve water absorption and quality of runoff. The plants were grown in the students’ biology class, and some plants were transplanted to the transformed courtyard. The project also improved the aesthetic quality of the courtyard by featuring student sculptures that reflect the ideas and values of conservation, along with informational signage. Finally, in a second English class, students worked on a research unit on eco-justice, and in history class students studied social justice. At EFKC, content teachers are teamed, and this project spanned over two teaching teams and 250 students working in Biology, English, Art, and Social Studies classes.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
This project raised the students’ awareness of what is occurring in their own world. They have been provided an opportunity to interact and impact their own ecosystem, realizing that they can make a difference. Many students now want to plant in their own backyards this summer.

Partners:
Rebecca Marquardt, Landscape Architect; Jason Googins, Master Naturalist

Teachers:
4

Students:
250

Funder:
GVSU College of Education and Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative

Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5yuKa3cInY

Project Description:
The goal of this project was to analyze water quality of the Buck Creek watershed and to maintain the recently-created rain garden on the school's campus. Students completed a water quality analysis of a Buck Creek tributary (on the campus of East Kentwood Freshman Campus) to assess the school's nonpoint source pollution impact on the surrounding watershed. Students built models and prototypes of rain gardens to identify materials and designs to enhance rain garden efficacy. Students then researched a variety of topics related to native plants and water quality issues in their English class, culminating in a research paper and bibliography. In addition, the students maintained the native flowers and grasses of the garden to improve water absorption efficacy and quality of runoff. Finally, students worked on a parallel research unit on ecojustice, and in history students studied social justice. In addition to completing research, analyzing data,and creating models, biology students voiced their NPS concerns by participating in a public Socratic seminar.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Students will be much more engaged in the discussions and policy decisions that revolve around water quality in the West Michigan watershed. Most students were surprised to learn the extent to which our watershed is polluted and, more importantly, the steps they can take to improve our environment. The hope is students will utilize their public debate skills and the knowledge gained from this experience as they move forward in their academic and career pursuits.

Teachers:
3

Students:
250

Funder:
GVSU College of Education

Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvLOynML0UI