On October 10th, our 7th grade students became ecologists for a day! They tested the water quality of Scatter Creek and Mill Pond, explored the vital role of beavers as keystone species, and discovered how these incredible animals support wild salmon runs in our local watershed. 🦫🐟
Students also investigated native vs. invasive plants and discussed how human activity impacts the ecosystems we all depend on.
A special shoutout to our amazing 8th grade peer teachers, Owen Cushman, Sage Fournier, Brooklyn Frank, Danica Johnson, Kaydei O'neal, Esraya Rivas, Peyton Songer, Henry Swidecki, Brody Weagant, Charlie Wheeler, and Juniper Woosley, who helped lead the water testing alongside dedicated adult teachers and volunteers. 👏
TMS 7th grade science teacher Kayla Rankel reflected,
“It’s amazing to see this program come full circle. Our 8th graders, who learned these same lessons last year, are now leading the water quality testing. They’ve grown into role models who understand the importance of caring for our local ecosystems.”
This hands-on learning experience was made possible thanks to the generous support of local volunteers from organizations including Friends of Tenino Parks, Creekside Conservancy, Stream Team, Thurston Conservation District, and the Chehalis Tribe’s Chehalis Basin CWMA. 💚
#ScienceInAction #OutdoorLearning #StudentScientists #TeninoProud #EcosystemExplorers
