Classroom Happenings: Four, three, two, one … grow!

Sixth-grade Bryan Innovation Lab Seminar students taught by Middle School Science Teacher Claire Bailey are learning about the importance of and differences between native, non-native, and invasive plant species. In an effort to reduce erosion, improve water quality, and re-establish flora along the sides of the retention ponds around the Bryan Innovation Lab, our young environmentalists are growing their critical-thinking skills as they problem-solve and work toward shaping the future.  

Seeds of Change
In class, students learned how native plants such as butterfly milkweed, blue sage, and flowering dogwood are crucial to a healthy habitat. Animals depend on them for food and shelter, and our rivers benefit from native plants, too: They help keep our waters cool and clean by providing shade, preventing erosion, and filtering pollutants.

Caleb Tuck ’30 was surprised to learn that soil benefits from trees and plants for a very important reason.

“Tree and plant roots help the soil stay in place and not erode,” he said. 

Using compost, potting soil, and native grass and wildflower seeds, Mrs. Bailey’s students put together dozens of four-inch seed balls. Being in nature — and getting their hands dirty — is an enriching experience for students, said Mrs. Bailey.

“Experiential learning is a terrific opportunity,” she said. “Being outdoors, collaborating, and feeling the earth between their fingers is a powerful combination.”

Springing Forward
In a subsequent class, students sojourned behind the Bryan Lab and teamed up to launch their seed balls from giant slingshots. In teams of three, they switched off holding the ends of each slingshot and positioning the seed ball in its middle. BOING! As the seed balls catapulted across the vast retention pond, the Middle Schoolers cheered, high-fiving one another as each seed ball landed with a loud thwack.

Graylen Kafantaris Rambo ’30, who loves nature, said, “I learned that giving back to nature is important because, although native plants would probably eventually grow back, it would take a long time.” Getting outside, she said, “makes learning fun and entertaining.”

In the spring, Mrs. Bailey and her students will follow up as the flowers and grass begin to bloom. 

“It’ll be a great opportunity for students to note the results of their work — and to see firsthand the important role we all play in being stewards of our environment. It’s very meaningful for our Spartans to work together to mitigate erosion and beautify the area,” said Mrs. Bailey.