Project Description:
Students investigated nonpoint source pollution in their watershed and the dynamics of the Grand Rapids river ecosystem through participation in water quality testing and a field trip aboard the GVSU W.G. Jackson Research Vessel. Students also examined the effects of nonpoint source pollution on macroinvertebrates and visited several sites in Grand Rapids to further their exploration of the Grand River Watershed.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Students are much more aware of the threats to the watershed and remediation strategies. Their attitude about their surroundings has changed, and their heightened awareness of these issues has called them to actions in small ways like picking up trash along our walks to and from the library, discussing pesticide use with Museum guests, and the importance of picking up pet waste.

Partners:
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Urban Roots

Teachers:
3

Students:
120

Funder:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrnh4WSEDbk

Project Description:
Students explored watersheds, including macroinvertebrate studies, water quality, and point and nonpoint source pollution in their sixth-grade programming. In seventh grade, students designed plant plots to help to remedy storm water runoff and encourage the growth of native plants. These students also planted an urban garden on the Museum campus that will be used for education classes over the summer as part of the Museum’s programming. This work extended to eighth grade when students took on a project of their choice working with a local organization working to implement the Grand Rapids Watershed Management Plan. These eighth-grade projects were driven by student voice and choice.

Students also made a mini, LEED-inspired playhouse to educate the public on LEED and green construction. The house was constructed with a pallet board, a solar panel, a green roof, and a rain barrel.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
The largest change observed in our students is their level of engagement. Allowing students to have some ownership in the types of projects that they take on has been inspiring. The eighth graders have a background knowledge from previous years that they can tap into to pursue projects they are passionate about. One group of students wanted to build a LEED certified playhouse, another wanted to explore a way to reuse the banana peels from the school cafeteria. If we continue to allow students to try on the role of project managers they will design projects around topics they find interesting.

Partners:
WMEAC, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Urban Roots, Pitsch, Shore-Mate, West Michigan Solar, Home Depot, Eikenhout

Teachers:
4

Students:
180

Funder:
GVSU College of Education

Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH9fh5dQ6ks

Project Description:
The GRPMS 6th grade students have a two-part project that takes place in both the spring and the fall. The fall project involved the entire group of 6th grade students. They were tasked with collecting chemical and biological (macro) data from four different subwatersheds to the Grand River. They then had to analyze the information they found to determine the overall water quality of the Grand River subwatersheds. The second project took place in the spring, where a smaller group of students placed Hester-Dendy samplers in three different key locations in the Grand River. They then collected long-term data on macroinvertebrate populations as the Grand River Revitalization project begins. The data were added to the LGROW data repository. The small group of students then represented their project at the LGROW Spring Forum student symposium. Beyond collecting the data, students took a trip to the wastewater treatment plant to talk to city officials about what we can do and what is being done to help protect the health of our rivers and streams.

This project is an extension of the project that the students completed last year through Groundswell. Last year, students only completed the fall portion of the project, and the data they collected were never put in a data repository. This year the focus was on collecting long-term data about macroinvertebrate populations as the Grand River Revitalization project changes the ecology of the river through downtown.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
The project will encourage stewardship because it allows students to participate in and learn about how we directly impact life and health of our rivers, streams, and lakes. Students will use the collected data again during their time in high school and hopefully use these experiences as connection points for their future involvement in environmental actions.

Partners:
West Michigan Environmental Action Council; Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds; Grand Rapids Environmental Services Department; Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Teachers:
2

Students:
61

Funder:
GVSU College of Education

Showcase Video:
https://youtu.be/SmxrdZlWkbk

Project Description: 

This project supported our school’s mission of student-driven, real-world learning by transforming our front lawn into a native wildflower garden and potential outdoor classroom, connecting science curriculum with community impact. In partnership with GVSU and the Heartside neighborhood, students from all grades contributed to enhancing local biodiversity and creating a welcoming, nature-rich space for both the school and broader community.

Partners:
Calvin Ecosystem and Native Preserve, CA Frost Environmental Middle High

Teachers:
Nate Langel & Alex Lawton, 9th (6th - 12th)

Students:
65

Funder:
Great Lakes Fishery Trust

Showcase Video: https://youtu.be/7le5PYA8TN8?si=_lXJP8KJ7zqrAjHr