Project Description: The first year of this project involved Southwood fourth-grade
students and fourth- and fifth-grade Science Club students to be
Citizen Scientists. We explored sections of the neighborhood
tributaries of Buck Creek. This first year included teams
collaborating on stream observations, a lesson on scientific
sketching, question generating, water monitoring, and data collection
related to our essential question, “How Healthy is our Creek?” It
included students learning how to collect and record data from the
creek behind the school (nitrates, phosphates, pH, macroinvertebrates,
bacteria), researching what those tests tell us about the health of
our water, and comparing information on the water collected behind the
school to that collected at a local park (Creekside). Each group
planned an investigation to answer their own team-generated question
(all related to our essential question). Students then synthesized and
shared information through a video and project board with each other,
presented to the school family, and at the Groundswell Student Showcase.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: I believe the more we encourage and include our students in
authentic stewardship in their own communities, the better chance they
have for understanding. The more they understand, the more apt they
are to change behaviors to positively affect the community in which
they live. A change of attitude often stirs action to change behaviors.
Our Blame It On The Rain Project: The overall goal is to stabilize
the slope with native plants at the creek entry point and provide
safe, direct access to Buck Creek for students’ stream studies. Our
goal includes:
controlling erosion by staking in an erosion control blanket
improving student access to Buck Creek behind the school for
continued stream studies.
students planting native vegetation to stabilize the slope
Invasive species identification for removal
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
The students were thrilled to be working outside, feeling a part of
the Urban Forest. They were excited to know that their work will be
enjoyed by other students and neighbors for years to come. They were
dirty, sweaty, and had a great time, worked hard, and ended the day
with a strong feeling of accomplishment and pride during our all-day
activities. We continued to water, weed, and monitor the plants
throughout the rest of the year. We have continued caring for the
plants this year.
Partners:
Revery, Kentwood Parks and Recreation Stewardship Team, Trout Unlimited
Southwood’s Science Club expanded their annual Buck Creek study by
adding a vernal pool investigation with support from LGROW and Calvin
University’s Bunker Interpretive Center. Students explored vernal pool
ecosystems, compared organisms between the two habitats, and analyzed
data to deepen their understanding of local biodiversity and indicator species.
Partners: Lower Grand Rapids Watershed, Calvin University
