Project Description: 

We are researching invasive plant species (problems) and native plant species (benefits). We will research pollinators in our environment (benefits) and want to create a pollinator garden along with bird feeders and bird baths. Long term goal, if approved, I would like to put in a greenhouse.

Have visited with an outside connection, Alysia Babcock from Garden Guru. Hoping to work with her organization. Would like to put in a 20 x 10 pollinator garden outside my classroom window. Would also like to create some bird feeders and have a bird bath. (potentially a heated bird bath if allowed)

Kids would be involved in the questioning, researching, observing, planting, and upkeep. Would like to have kids working in a variety of groups with a focus on a particular pollinator.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:

I think many of the kids will think twice about our environment. They will better be able to take ownership and have confidence working with their hands and with a group. The kids look forward to watching their garden grow over the years and once they are in high school, they can look back at our work and say, “I did that.”

Teachers:

Rebecca Bravata, 6th grade, Language Arts & Social Studies; Trish Lulich, 6th grade, Math & Science

Students:

54

Funder:

Wege Foundation

Showcase Video:  https://youtu.be/5SIHVge9Aas?si=3FW3yprI87uOHmUq

Project Description:
Students will and have already been working in the pollinator garden that was created by last year’s students. In addition to gardening, we have added a Bird Watch element. My goal is for kids to experience being outside, learning about different birds, their sounds, and  their habits. I also want the kids to  learn about what types of plants attract certain types of birds, (creating winter seedlings again to add to the garden in the spring), learning about habitats and feeding norms for local birds in our space. We have already put in a bird feeder and have a feeder with a camera ready to put in place. I want the kids to understand that they play an important part in their environment, and need to collaborate with other students…they just need to find their purpose.

Partners:
Joyful Wildcrafting, Lower Grand Rapids Watershed

Teacher:
Becky Bravata

Students:
53

Funder:
Great Lakes Fishery Trust

Showcase Video:  https://youtu.be/D5WBdco82GI?si=Uq6HdFgHqso57rdt