Env Sciences Magnet

Each of the 10 students in this photo of the ESM vivarium is looking at a plant or animal in an aquarium, in the soil, or on the floor (lots of ants there). You don't have to teach children about inquiry, you just have to let it happen.

I spent 8 years as a Resident Scientist at the Environmental Sciences Magnet school in Hartford, CT. I co-managed a garden, greenhouse and butterfly conservatory and used those resources to explore science with students from preK to grade 8. I love the facts and concepts of every kind of science, and I have been known to push the limits of what fourth graders can do. But my students usually surprised me with their capabilities. Because more than most adults, they are driven by curiosity and passion for new knowledge (especially where it involves e.g., sharks or venomous snakes). I tried to honor their natural inquisitiveness by working in the field, playing with microscopes, and asking questions for which I do not know the answers.

Projects

I taught environmental science classes, an collaborated with staff on science curriculum. A lot of what I did was organized as some kind of project, where the students accomplish something that benefits the school or community.

Water quality

This project is a long story, with its own blog, here: cuanswers. Briefly: by happenstance I learned that our building had a widespread water quality problem, with copper levels well above the legal standard. I worked with middle school students to monitor, document, and troubleshoot mitigation efforts.

Tap water tests, ESM, Nov 2017. Orange at right, negative control. Blue samples at left exceed EPA standard for copper concentration

Recycling

We assessed ESM's performance, and found that we were throwing away most of the recyclables. We coordinated with the City, and identified the barriers. G7 students developed a presentation that they brought to every classroom. The mayor came to ESM to learn of our efforts.

Entomological Society

The Eastern Branch meetings were in Hartford, so we prepared posters, and displayed our insects and spiders. Spencer, Grade 1, a key player, was interviewed.

Keywords for other projects:

Tomatoes. Food waste. Community garden. Vivarium. Chicken thief. LEED. White witch. Roly-poly bugs.