Thomas and Cornelia Ford Memorial Grant: Collecting Data in Our Pollinator Garden
- School Year: 2025-2026
- Applicants: Sabrina Nyerick Lead Applicant & Jennifer Russell, Jessica Matthews
- School: Smith
- Subjects: Science, Technology, STEAM
Students at Smith STEM Elementary School are actively engaged in real-world science and math through the study of a vibrant and diverse wildlife garden. This hands-on project involves students in collecting valuable data on the diverse insect life our garden supports throughout the school year. They learn to identify various plant and animal species, meticulously recording their observations over time. This data, combined with research, empowers students to become advocates, writing persuasive essays to propose new plant additions that will further enrich our garden's biodiversity. By expanding our pollinator garden with a wider variety of plants, we aim to extend learning opportunities across more grade levels and throughout the spring and fall. This initiative not only enhances our curriculum but also allows students to directly contribute to increasing wildlife diversity within our local community, fostering a deeper understanding of their impact on the environment.