Author Archives: Anna Stringham

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Save the Inner Harbour, Save Chesapeake Bay

2024, Baltimore, MD, USA

The students of Baltimore Christian Academy had an important question about the water quality of the Inner harbor water. After Analyzing the data that they collected, they found it to be polluted. To address this issue, they decided to take civic action. They wrote to Baltimore City council woman, Phylicia Porter, informing her of their findings and seeking her input on how to reduce or eliminate pollution in the inner Harbour.

Students learned to use their voice to advocate for environmental issues, which will aid them in a lifetime of protecting our watershed.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Target 12.5

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Students Improve Recycling Policy at High School

2023, Lewistown, PA, USA

Students in the Environmental Science classes and Science club at Mifflin County High School worked together to change their school’s recycling policies. Students in Ecology classes began the process by conducting inventories about plastic and consumption habits in their daily lives.They voted and successfully advocated to their school administration to add recycling bins throughout the school and increase signage for proper recycling. They also led a station at a local EcoDay festival as well to communicate their policy change beyond their school.

This student-led policy change will leave a legacy of taking action to improve the watershed.

Sdg: 6: Clean water and Sanitation.

Targets 6.A, 6.3

Lisa Rowe, Teacher at Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning, California

Students are highly motivated by the CFW contest as it is currently set up. The accessibility for entry is wide for different ages, backgrounds and ability levels. The combination of scientific and creative thinking reinforced by proposal parameters, as well as the authentic connections to real world problems, are a potent learning tool for the needs of our world

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Students Launch Awareness Campaign to Protect Native Species

2023, Arlington, VA, USA

Fifth Grade students launched a campaign to educate people on native and invasive plants to increase planting of native plants and understanding of the precautions to take against invasive plants. 

After consulting with their school’s Master Naturalist and learning that he removed the invasive species in the area, they realized that many people do not understand how to protect the area against invasive plant species. They decided to create 23 informative signs about plant species and created a stepping stone path for visitors to follow along and learn more. This path is now used by the school’s science specialist to teach  lessons on seasons and native plants.

SDG: 15: Life on Land

Targets: 15.8, 15.5

     

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Virginia Students Reduce Spread of Invasive Species

2023, Arlington, VA, USA

When fifth grade students at Jamestown Elementary conducted an environmental inventory of Jamestown Elementary and Jamestown Park with the Master Naturalist and Park Steward, they found many invasive plant species. These plant species were not native to the area and may have been spread there by seeds stuck on to visitors’ shoes.

To address this problem, students installed boot brushes close to where the invasive plant species were spreading as well as other key areas. They worked with their art teacher to create signs that would educate others on how to use boot brushes and the impact of invasive species. They planned and stocked up on replacement brushes and signs when future grade students notice that they are needed.

Many students have now changed their habits and use the boot brush regularly to protect the local watershed. They understand the impact of invasive plants and know what to look out for in the future.

SDG: 15: Life on Land

Targets: 15.5, 15.8

     

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Creating Animal Habitats for Our Creek

2023, Arlington, VA, USA

5th grade students at Jamestown Elementary studied and investigated the local creek on the school property with the help of a Master Naturalist and park Steward. They discovered that there was a lack of animals around the creek and decided to make a change. Students attracted animals using bird houses and insect hotels. This also included a screech owl box to attract new birds to the area. A flicker nesting box near the creek to attract the local northern flicker population, and snake guards to the blue bird nesting box poles to protect them. 

The students were thrilled to see that all 4 boxes were used by the targeted bird population, wrens, and the nests were kept and shown to science students. 

The creek became a valuable learning tool for all ages to understand the unique role each organism plays in the overall health of an ecosystem. 

SDG: 15: Life on land, 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Targets: 15.5, 6.6

Quality Education iconLife Below Water iconLife on Land icon

Young People Leading American Eel Species Repopulation

2023, Lewistown, PA, USA

Wildlife and Fisheries Science students at Mifflin County High School took action to help restore the native American Eel population in Kish Creek.

They partnered with Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Cerry Township, Mifflin County Conservation District, PA Fish and Boat Commission, and the PA Game Commission to create a sustainable action plan.

Upon learning about the eels and their impact in the waterway, students raised eel in the classroom, released them into the local creek, and planted native seedlings along the creek. This project occurred throughout the duration of the school year and resulted in an immediate increase in the local eel population.

The students plan to continue monitoring the eel in their local watershed, conduct water testing, and involve future classes in macroinvertebrate monitoring. The knowledge and resources that they have gained while monitoring this eel population, is inspiring them to educate friends and families and involve themselves in other projects that can improve their local watershed.

SDG: 4: Quality Education, 14: Life Below Water, 15: Life on Land

Targets: 14.1, 15.1