Grandville — At Oakestown Intermediate School, sixth-graders buckled up their waders, grabbed their magnifying glasses and set out for Buck Creek to investigate what science lies hidden just beyond their classrooms.
“I feel really accomplished,” said sixth-grader Aubree Jawor after a morning of exploring in and around the creek.
Each year, Teach for the Watershed, a community-partnered outdoor learning program led by West Michigan Environmental Action Council, works with students in all grade levels to offer hands-on experiences in environmental science.
This fall, community partners came together to bring that science to Oakestown students. From a nature walk with Friends of Buck Creek to identifying local aquatic bugs with WMEAC and Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, there wasn’t a dull moment in the two-hour session.
“It comes under an umbrella of place-based education where (students) really get out and engage into their local community,” said Mark Fitzpatrick, interim executive director at WMEAC.
Our videographer jumped right into the action alongside students to highlight their discoveries on camera. Check out the video above to experience the day yourself.
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