In early October, 300 7th graders had an opportunity to spend a morning or afternoon at Latham Park. These students from Memorial (Oct. 4), Heritage (Oct. 5), and Weaver (Oct. 6) Middle Schools rotated through three stations during the time that they were at the park. The first station was led by their science teachers; using chemical test strips, students tested phosphate and nitrate levels, as well as pH. Their results showed that the water quality of the pond was very good.
The second station was led by representatives from Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District; here students engaged with a Project Wet activity. Using objects such as rubber bands and beads to represent macro-invertebrates, students learned that you can tell a great deal about the quality of a body of water by looking at the organisms that live in it.
The third station was led by employees of the Department of Natural Resources and other teacher volunteers. This station provided time for the students to fish – many of whom had not fished before. Several students learned to bait their own hooks and release a fish once it was caught; nearly all students were able to catch a fish! For most students, this was the highlight of their day. Special thanks needs to be given to DNR who provided their expertise as well as the bait used over these 3 days. Additionally, the fishing poles were purchased with money from a Step-Outside grant awarded to Hilliard City Schools from DNR.
Early Intervention Specialist’s Work Carries Into Volunteerism With Special Olympics
Andrea Fogt’s passion for children is evident. Not only is she an early intervention specialist with Hilliard City Schools, but she also serves as the local coordinator of the Hilliard Special Olympics Bobcats for Ohio’s South Central Region.
Through her role, she is responsible for the organization’s year-round programming. This includes coordinating and scheduling practices and games for their 12 sports and over 150 athletes ranging in age from 8-61, fundraising, and planning special events like trips to Cedar Point, dances, the annual softball game vs. the Hilliard Division of Police and Norwich Township Fire Department, and Bobcat Boogie 5K slated for Nov. 6 at Hilliard Municipal Park.
She was first introduced to the Special Olympics in college when she was invited to help out at a basketball practice. She was hooked from the second she met the athletes. That was nearly 30 years ago, and she’s still going strong.
“The athletes give us way more than we give them. They have a way of lighting up your whole day,” she said.
Fogt is grateful that she’s part of an organization that gives those with intellectual disabilities opportunities to compete in sports, gain life skills that help them live independently, gain employment, and become functioning members of society.
The lessons she learns from the athletes positively impact her work with Hilliard Schools as well.
She said, “Seeing our adult athletes helps me know where my students need to be by the time they graduate. Similarly, my work with Hilliard Schools helps me make connections with potential athletes.”
They are always looking for volunteers and participants. To learn more, contact Fogt at hilliardspecialolympics@gmail.com.
Every year the Sixth Grade students at Tharp test the water quality of Darby Creek. The data is collected and reported to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
This real-world science collaborative project provides an opportunity to learn the Thinking Like a Scientist standards that are embedded throughout the entire school year.
The students learn about The Darby Creek Watershed ecosystem, pollution runoff, and the macroinvertebrates that live in the stream. This watershed represents one of the most biologically diverse aquatic systems in the Midwest.
