Fourth Grade Learns About Ecology and Sustainability

It was unseasonably cold the morning of October 20, but that did not stop our St. Agnes and St. Dominic fourth grade students from embarking on an incredibly important science field trip to learn about the Wolf River watershed and its importance as a natural resource.

Recently our 4^th graders have been studying a unit on ecology. Working with Cathy Justus from the Wolf River Conservancy and Michelle Cowan from Clean Memphis, Lower School Science teacher Christina Bolden organized this trip to give the students a firsthand look at what the watershed is and how our everyday human activity affects the river and its water quality. 

“First thing in the morning, they jumped right in and began picking up litter along the banks of the river,” explained Mrs. Bolden. “Throughout the morning, the students learned to identify different ecosystems and habitats in the Wolf River area, and they learned the river’s role in recharging our drinking water aquifer. By the end of the morning, they were able to use their new knowledge to test the river water's acidity and turbidity.”

The Wolf River Conservancy is a non-profit local land trust that protects and enhances lands along the Wolf River as a public natural resource. The Conservancy is dedicated to educating the public, particularly the youth. Clean Memphis is a non-profit working to inspire Memphians to be environmental stewards grounded in civic responsibility. They have a comprehensive clean-up program and an environmental education program that includes a focus on sustainability for schools and restaurants.

“We had a great time exploring the Wolf River Conservancy,” said Sarah Hamer, St. Dominic Fourth Grade Teacher. “We learned about the watershed and the important role it plays in protecting our drinking water. We took water samples and determined the water was currently neutral; therefore, safe for wildlife and humans.”

Fourth grader Michael said “I enjoyed the field trip because we learned how the river flows, and we learned a lot about erosion. Erosion is important because if the water gets too murky the plants and fish may die.”

Classmate Jim added, “We explored a freshwater beach and picked up litter. There were crazy things out there-cans, bottles, cups, even a toy car and part of a car bumper! We learned that a lot of the trash comes through the storm drains and pollutes the river. It’s bad for wildlife and our drinking water.”

This trip goes beyond science, however, to engage the students in caring for God’s gift of creation, and giving them an understanding of how their role, though it may seem small to them now, makes a difference. Our founders, the Dominican Sisters of Peace have made it a part of their mission to educate on how to care for the Earth and why it is essential to the well-being of all life.  Ecology is one of their primary ministries-operating four ecology centers which promote sustainable farming and engage communities in the healing of and care for the Earth. As a school we support this mission and share these values with our students.

“Creation is not a property, which we can rule over at will; or, even less, is the property of only a few: Creation is a gift, it is a wonderful gift that God has given us, so that we care for it, and we use it for the benefit of all, always with great respect and gratitude.” (Pope Francis, May 10, 2014, address to Catholic school students at the Vatican)