Students to use Plants to Clean Stream

The classroom used by many seventh- and eighth-graders at Crossroads South Middle School has been rainy, muddy, and quite dirty at times. But the students aren’t complaining. That’s because the classroom is outside and is part of a hands-on science course that teams students up with researchers from Rutgers University for a project aimed at helping the environment.

As a subdivision of their ecology unit, Keith Thomas’ science classes have been attempting to lower the phosphorous levels in water runoff near the Dean’s Pond Stream behind the Major Road middle school. The goal of the project, called Research in Education Applied to Learning, is to find natural plants that help absorb water and decrease the amount of phosphorus entering the stream. At the same time, students were able to learn about ecology by experiencing it firsthand.

According to Mr. Thomas, the project allowed “students to become scientists’ apprentices by doing real science.” The project was completed June 2 when students planted native flora in the field along Major Road. Students in Mr. Thomas’ classes worked alongside Rutgers University doctoral candidate Betina Malhotra, who is using the project for her dissertation in the Graduate School of Education. "The students know that this will significantly impact the community for real,” said Ms. Malhotra, who also owns the Children First Preschool in South Brunswick.

Mr. Thomas’ students also worked with Christopher Obropta, a specialist in water resources and part of the Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension program. "Kids can learn a lot in the classroom, but when they do it themselves, they retain the information better, “ said Dr. Obropta.  “They will remember this project for years to come.”

Karyn Engel, a seventh-grader who was wearing muddy boots and getting her hands dirty last week, said the project has been great. "This is the best hands-on event I’ve ever done.  It’s been hard but it’s fun and really pays off in the end since it all makes sense,” she said.  Eighth-grader Heather Mejia echoed that sentiment. "This has been a great experience and has made me like science more,” she said.

One of the most important parts of the project is that the students did all the botany, mathematics, and critical thinking themselves, said Ms. Malhotra. "The project teaches them real ways scientists research and helps them critically reason,” she said.

During the course of the unit, students in Mr. Thomas’ classes collected and analyzed rock and soil samples, performed oxygen sampling and reviewed the climate and site history of the area.  Students involved in the unit were able to not only learn about the community they live in but also improve the environmental conditions.

"I really didn’t know there was a problem until this project,” said eighth-grader Jessica Gerstein.  "I hope we can build more of these projects in other areas,” said Dr. Obropta.

According to Mr. Thomas, REAL is in a pilot stage, and there are tentative plans for it to be developed as a program to be implemented elsewhere in the district. Mr. Thomas said several students might be invited to present their findings to the school board.

Funding for the project and the necessary supplies came from Rutgers University participants.  The shrubs only cost $5 each.

-By Matt Egan, Staff Writer, South Brunswick Post

Reprinted with permission from the South Brunswick Post

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