Kent City Community Middle & High School
Project Description:
Students observed and recorded plants and some animal vertebrates and invertebrates in the prairie and forest on Kent City property. They then studied animals that are native to the area and looked for evidence of those animals. They found evidence of deer and raccoon, plus several invertebrates. While students were surprised that there was a variety of grasses, they soon realized we were missing a variety of plants. They then went through and looked at the options available to them and decided on coneflowers and black-eyed susans in the spring planting to help increase butterfly populations. Students then studied conservation efforts of John Ball Zoo and visited the zoo to see what they do for conservation and how they get their messaging across. Students decided on the flowers to try and help the Poweshiek skipperling, and knowing that adding more varieties in our ecosystem that we can help in the future.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
They are already showing a change in stewardship. Small things such as picking up the classroom, after school events and aware of what they’re eating and throwing away. They’ve made the connection that they too are connected to the environment, even if they are not always in it.
Partners:
Grow Wise Learning LLC, Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, John Ball Zoo
Teachers:
Tara Lafferty, 7th & 8th Grade, Science; Justin Harding, 6th & 7th Grade, Science
Students:
240
Funder:
The Baldwin Foundation
Showcase Video: https://youtu.be/RuY4VUGH6k8
Project Description:
We wanted to have the students take an active role in connecting the greenhouse water system to a sustainable source of water. We partnered with Carlos from WMEAC to create rain barrels. Carlos came out and worked with about 20 students in our after-school greenhouse club to build and connect the rain barrels. Next, we wanted those rain barrels to support a hydroponics system. Billie found a new partner at The Thumb, in Rockford. The owner, Mr. Josh came out to KC and taught us and our students how to set up a circulating hydroponics system. The system uses circulating water with nutrients and PH control. We planted tomatoes, cilantro, peppers, kale, and other vegetables. In the past month, we have taken every class out to see the plants. The system has been very successful and our plants are huge! We are looking forward to expanding the system in the fall.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
I think many of these students found the hydropic gardening very interesting and successful. I heard from many of their families that students came home and shared about what they were learning. I think students have a greater understanding of how food is grown, the process and amount of work it takes. Not only that, but they now recognize what a pepper plant, kale plant and a tomato plant look like! They understand the necessity of controlling climate for plants and how the climate and materials need to be monitored and maintained. They are considering water and it’s source along with it’s connection and importance to growing our food. I hope these students convince their families to try growing their own food with hydroponics.
Partners:
WMEAC, The Thumb
Teachers:
Nicole Andreas, K-5, STEM/CS; Billie Freeland, K-5, STEM
Students:
19
Funder:
NOAA (BWET Program)
Showcase Video: https://youtu.be/xloYL4VgwDc?si=mIOWYkrtaZ9vsi_R
