Rooted Research: Building future scientists and researchers

We begin with studying soil and the creatures that live in the soil. With this, we study our local ants. What is there preferred food? How are our ants different that ants in other ecosystems. We participate in the "Ant Picnic" project from the Ron Dunn Public Science Lab at NC State.
Working with Monarch Watch, we raise and tag Monarch Butterflies. We'll record our data, send it to Monarch Watch, and maybe the best part will be checking in on our tagged butterflies to see if they make it to Mexico!
The Rube Goldberg Institute is know for their creative STEM science. We will work to create compound, chain reaction simple machines, challenging ourselves to take a simple task and give it many fun and interesting steps.
Greenville has a treasure trove of amazing trees. We will participate in a GLOBE/NASA citizen science project where we not only identify local trees, but we measure their height and circumference, sharing our data with both local, national and international scientists.

Citizen science allows ordinary people, in this case, our students, to work alongside professional scientists by collecting and sharing real scientific data.
Instead of completing activities that stay inside the classroom, our students contribute observations to research projects used by SciStarter, Globe Program, NASA, Monarch Watch, The Pollinator Partnership, Cornell Science Project Feeder Watch, US Forestry, universities and many other agencies and organizations.
Participating in citizen science teaches students that their work has purpose. They learn that careful observations, accurate data collection, and attention to detail matter because real scientists may use the information they collect. Rather than simply learning about science, students become active participants in scientific discovery and environmental stewardship.

Students begin the day with Opening Observations. Every class begins with students collecting real field data that will become part of our year-long scientific record. Students act as meteorologists, bird specialists, entomologists, botanists, photographers and data managers.
Students participate in an ongoing research project or citizen science project. Projects may continue over several weeks. Students collect evidence, analyze findings, and contribute meaningful observations to authentic scientific investigations.
Students record observations through sketches, notes, measurements, and written reflections. Nature journaling helps students develop careful observation skills and strengthens scientific thinking.
Class will end with student's sharing discoveries, comparing findings, playing collaborative science games and participating is challenges.