Project Description:
The focus of this project was to have students understand how effective management practices allow for a healthy water system. Students began by learning about watersheds and assessed how Kent ISD's campus is effectively employing best practices as it relates to stormwater management. Students looked at sewer-sheds and areas where water is retained/detained by evaluating the topography. Furthermore, students experimented with how impervious surfaces contribute to thermal pollution and its impact on Lamberton Creek. “Heat Islands” were also a focus of student learning. Students created presentations of Green Infrastructure to summarize their learning. Students also visited several downtown locations to see real examples of how development impacts our watershed, with a focus on impacts from stormwater runoff. Learning about incorporating green spaces and renewable energy in urban areas were the focus of the field trip.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Since the project ended, students get excited whenever they see green infrastructure in their community, and excitedly report back to their teachers about it. One student even created a simple app on his own time that informs people about the effects of stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces on local watersheds.

Partners:
LGROW, City of Grand Rapids

Teachers:
2

Students:
70

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

Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl0dCfeSYus

Project Description:
Students worked with the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds to survey the macroinvertebrate populations in the Grand River at the site of the Whitewater Restoration and in a tributary to the Grand River on the school’s campus.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Students have stated that they were unaware of the diversity of life in rivers prior to this activity. Many stated that they have changed behaviors (littering, dumping) due to this. The hope is that they will continue to consider how they can play a part in management decisions in their local areas.

Partners:
LGROW, MDEQ, WMEACQ

Teachers:
1

Students:
84

Funder:
Wege Foundation through the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative

Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkYYKplb8-4

Project Description:
Students studied the differences in the aquatic macroinvertebrate populations in the Grand River and one of it small tributaries. We were improving on a project from last year by incorporating more curriculum around the Grand River and expanding our data collection.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Students are more aware of the diversity of life in water bodies and the value of strong ecological communities. They know how their actions can impact the water. They consider how we have engineered environments and consider the gains and losses associated with these man-made changes.

Partners:
Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds

Teachers:
1

Students:
72

Funder:
MiSTEM

Showcase Video:
https://youtu.be/7owVn_eSH40