Lee High School
Project Description:
Students surveyed the biological diversity of selected regions in the Godfrey Lee community to create a biodiversity map of species found within the school district. These measurements were compared with other field sites and with test plots in the school's Outdoor Lab community.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Students expressed gratitude at being able to spend time outdoors and in their community.
Partners:
WMEAC, Plaster Creek Stewards, GRCC
Teachers:
2
Students:
120
Funder:
Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative
Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rcwms_m9UYs
Project Description:
A “Natural Playground” was constructed adjacent to the Godfrey- Lee Early Childhood Center (ECC) using community support. It serves as an outdoor learning base for students at the ECC to access the nearby Outdoor Learning Lab on the banks of Plaster Creek.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Students were able to see that interaction with natural spaces can be an enthralling process and that their “neighborhood” contains a vast playground and learning lab that previously remained hidden from view, due to lack of access or to stigma.
Partners:
Plaster Creek Stewards, Tontin Lumber, Wyoming Parks
Teachers:
1
Students:
250
Funder:
Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative
Project Description:
Students began their ecology course through exploring the art of Alexis Rockman in identifying environmental and ecological themes and connecting them to Michigan’s ecosystems through a visit to the GRAM. After deeper analysis, students took part in two field trips to the Grand Ravines and Rosy Mound Natural Areas to observe more intact environments.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Students know that natural places exist nearby and that they have access to visit these unique locations. They know that urban neighborhoods often lack the qualities found in protected areas. In the long term, students may support the development of park systems that protect these areas and limit their consumption of resources that could impact these environments.
Partners:
WMEAC, Grand Rapids Art Museum
Teachers:
1
Students:
100
Funder:
Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative
Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTYDjATFQg8&t=2s
Project Description:
Students assessed the ecological environment of their surroundings at three different levels - classroom, school building, and community - to determine what components needed human management. They implemented a plan to reduce food waste and encourage recycling in the cafeteria.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
I expect that several of these students will carry on the idea that we use an excess of materials in our society and that very frequently these end up creating a source of pollution directly for ourselves. Encouraging others to be aware of this can cause slow but gradual changes in a populations that lead for the better.
Partners:
Kent County Recycling and Education Center
Teachers:
1
Students:
140
Funder:
MiSTEM
Showcase Video:
https://youtu.be/C9UoS3Y3c5I