“My favorite part about Earth Force is the chance to make a difference at my school,” said Tyree, a 6
th grader at Masterman Middle School. Tyree was in one of Bralinda Christian’s three sixth grade science classes. Each class choose a different topic on which to work; school water quality, school air quality and recycling.
The three classes set off to do research on their topics. The air quality group was especially concerned about indoor air quality in their school because it had been shut down for a few days due to an asbestos alert. Once they returned to school the students invited Eric Cheung from the Clean Air Council to talk to their class. Mr. Cheung taught the students some specific important points that explained why clean air is important. Students in the water quality group were able to speak with some Philadelphia Water Department employees on the phone about general water quality indicators they should be aware of at the school. The students researched that a number of Philadelphia schools had problems with lead in the water, which can lead to lead poisoning in children. The students conducted water quality monitoring within the school, and found that it had considerably improved .
Each group created educational skits that they presented to other classes.Their goal was to increase awareness about the importance of caring for the environment. Students sang songs, read poetry or used PowerPoint presentations to illustrate their issues in creative and amusing ways. Afterwards, the students thought their presentations were successful and hoped they inspired fellow students to get involved in projects that help the environment.