We are the 7th and 8th grade science classes at Five Oaks Middle School.  We are involved in weekly outdoor studies in our local wetland and forest habitats.  Recently we read an article concerning the plight of pollinator species such as bees and butterflies. Students showed concern for this and after further explorations wanted to do something to help.  Our campus is graced with forest, field and stream areas that would make perfect habitat areas for such a project. 

This project is designed as a way to involve students in long term ecological studies, specifically, science inquiry in the field.  Students will be involved in 2 aspects of field science. 

First, investigate climate change through phenology studies.  Students will track local plant and bird populations and migrations by collecting data local plants and on birds at feeding stations.  They will be establishing feeding stations and designing their own inquiry studies while also contributing data to Cornell Universities Project FeederWatch.

Second, students will help naturally re-establish a school area that was cleared of native trees.  We will plant native species (trees and understory species) as well as establishing pollinator gardens in part of the area.  We hope to focus on creating habitat for local pollinators as well as a spring/summer/fall migratory stop for visiting Monarch butterflies by providing habitat that will give them food as well as native milkweed for breeding.

This project will initially involve my 7th grade classes (~ 100 students) but we hope to expand it to include outdoor observation stations for all grades.  This will open this study to over 1200 students!   This project relates to national, state and Beaverton science learning targets related to Science Inquiry, Climate Change, and Biodiversity.  This study will provide seasonal opportunities at science inquiry skills(framing investigations, collecting data and analysis) as well as direct observation in the field.