My students live in an old industrial city that has been declared an food desert because of the lack of supermarkets with fresh produce and with over a 150 contamination sites. Through this course, students are learning about the issues in their community and working towards finding solutions.
My students live in one of the poorest most dangerous cities in the nations.
But despite the challenges they face daily, they are committed to educational success and towards making a positive contribution to their community. Our school is a medical arts magnet school where students are required to double up with science courses every year. Through the environmental science program seniors in our school have the opportunity to impart change in this community through direct projects and as role models for students in the lower grades. The issues that we address are a very real part of their daily lives. However, our approach to learning about these issues is with a vision towards improving the current condition within the scope and time frame of the class.
My Project
The environmental science class in our school came about through the hard work and diligence of students in our school. Through their efforts, we have worked with community partners to bring to our school a greenhouse, a raised bed vegetable garden, a rain garden, and tree planting around the school. Students in the class are learning by doing.
Some of the concerns they have identified include about city-wide rain water drainage problems, watershed evaluation and preservation,soil contamination and identification of brownfields project, and how to engage the community for a better tomorrow. The resource requested would change the lives of children by teaching them about their environment, the impact they have, and how to effect change within this community.
This project is important because it will allow the students the opportunity to test the soil on which they live to determine health issues.
In addition, it will help them develop the skills necessary to pursue a career in this area of need.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Rodriguez and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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