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.

Partners:
Southwood PTC

Teachers:
1

Students:
41

Funder:
MiSTEM

Showcase Video:
https://youtu.be/Pl1Ml_5lWJ8

Project Description: 

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

Teachers:

Maureen Kaczanowski, 4th Grade, Science

Students:

39

Funder:

Great Lakes Fishery Trust

Showcase Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGhm5703_MU&list=PLV2DqaYFEsPwEUUHkVf4EWeARMMgZa9NL&index=21&ab_channel=GroundswellMichigan