We worked with Plaster Creek Stewards to plant native plants on our
school grounds in new and existing bioswales and rain gardens to
provide better green infrastructure. We discussed the water cycle and
its impact on our place here at GRCMS, students were assessed also on
how the “runoff” stage can be positively or negatively impacted by
greenscaping. In addition we asked students to identify various plant
species around our campus
Students also improved in their ability to explain the benefits of
native species, explain positive outcomes of greenscaping within our
place-based learning, and their ability to identify several beneficial
(native) and detractor (invasive) plant species.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
We expect that our students will have a better knowledge and
understanding of native plants and their place in our watershed and
ecosystem. Through hands-on experience, we hope they have a greater
enthusiasm for stewardship, and continue making a difference outside
of these experiences.
Partners:
Plaster Creek Stewards
Teachers:
Chad Drenth, 6th Grade, Math & Science; Derek Katerberg, 6th
Grade, Math & Science
The sixth grader students at GRCMS planned and installed a learning
garden on about a quarter-acre plot of unused green space on our
school grounds. Students cleared space to install a pathway making the
garden accessible to all, built a storage shed, assembled raised bed
gardens, estimated amounts of materials, and sewed the seeds to get
plants growing.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
We have already seen a change in students as they repeatedly
volunteered their time during recess to help move compost, install our
pathway, and look for other ways that they could help. The hope is
that this energy carries over into their homes and neighborhood
communities where they can share this newfound passion.
Partners:
Kids’ Food Basket
Teachers:
Chad Drenth, Math & Science, 6th Grade; Derek Katerberg, Math
& Science, 6th Grade
Students employed the Geographic Inquiry process to design and
install a native pollinator habitat that enhanced their school garden
and improved water retention, integrating social studies, science,
math, and writing. The project connected ecology with watershed
awareness and included data analysis and community engagement through
letter writing.
