Each school year at Grand Rapids Public Museum High School, 9th-grade students gear up for The Neighborhood Project, a place-based, interdisciplinary research project focused on challenges facing downtown Grand Rapids. Choosing either a social or environmental issue, students look at existing research, interview Grand Rapidians, conduct field studies and connect with community partners and experts to get a better understanding of their city.
This year, Ashleigh, Avery, Bryn, Erik, Grayson, Mikayla, and Vaida turned their attention to the health of the Grand River Watershed in the past, present, and future.
These students conducted hands-on research into the water quality, getting right down to the waterline to test Nitrate levels. They interviewed experts at the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC), Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds (LGROW), and attendees at the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum meeting hosted at John Ball Zoo. They also had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Stephanie Ogren, Vice President of Science and Education at the GRPM, to learn from relevant exhibits and research initiatives at the Museum.
The group of students concluded that significant progress has been made to improve the health of the Grand River and that many organizations and initiatives are moving Grand Rapids towards further sustainability and reduced pollution.
When they had completed their work, students reached out to the GRPM to see if we would support their learning by sharing their research findings with a larger audience. We were very impressed at the depth of their learning and the variety of research techniques they used to address their issue. Of course, we were delighted to share.
The GRPM is proud to ignite students’ curiosity about their local waterways and water conservation. We are currently in the process of an Expansion Project that will allow additional access to the Grand River, enabling us to provide even more educational opportunities to visiting and local students just outside our doors. This project is an excellent example of how powerful firsthand encounters with our natural world can be to encourage engaged learning.
Check out the video Ashleigh, Avery, Bryn, Erik, Grayson, Mikayla, and Vaida created together:
You can also see their group presentation here: