GLCPS Students True Environmental Stewards Thanks to Partnership with Noaa and BSU

a decline in some species native to the Buzzards Bay watershed. High school 10th grade students in science teacher Diana Cost's classes are learning how to test water from the Buzzards Bay watershed for contaminants harmful to these species. They are conducting these tests in the labs at Bridgewater State University under the direction of Ms. Cost and BSU instructors. High school history teacher Heidi Eastman accompanied the group on a recent trip to BSU:

 "Our students were engaged, respectful and a pleasure to be with. The BSU team was super organized and top notch. From the moment we set foot in the building and entered the state-of-the-art labs to the moment we left it was organized and inspiring. For me, it is always an eye-opener to see my students learning a different discipline from mine. Lots of food for thought.

"The icing on the cake was getting two great hugs from former GLCPS students I happened to run into (class of '16). They are doing quite well and Ms. Cost may be able to get them some part time work in the lab.

"It takes a village...and I am grateful that our village is ever expanding.

 Meanwhile, the middle school students are conducting experiments right outside the school's doors. They call it the Parking Lot Project."  Science Teacher Sarah Fleurent describes what her students are undertaking as part of the Stormwater Stewards project:

 "Our middle school students are learning about the Buzzards Bay Watershed, estuaries, Species of Concern in our watershed, and about storm-water runoff. It is really insightful for our students to see what a huge impact humans can have on ecosystem. The students are currently taking measurements of the school parking lot, and using these measurements to draw scaled maps (MATH!) to determine the area of the parking lot, and the volume of runoff created when we get an inch of rain. Students will be using this information, along with researching water quality parameters for the watershed to determine the impact our parking lot has on our watershed. Once they know the impact of storm-water runoff, students will be creating their own biofiltration systems to try and help lessen the bioload. This pollution control technique uses a bioreactor containing living material to capture and biologically degrade pollutants.  We will also be learning about 'green parking lots' like the one at Bridgewater State University that is designed to reduce the impact of storm-water run-off."

So, thanks to NOAA and BSU for being part of a great partnership to provide yet another hands-on, project-based lesson to students eager to help find solutions to real-life community challenges!