Comstock STEM Academy has recently learned that they have earned two Audubon Society grants to help students study and learn about butterflies and birds!
Thanks to a nearly $900
Audubon Society of Kalamazoo Education Grant, Comstock STEM Academy's entire middle school will be traveling to the
Kellogg Bird Sanctuary to observe variations of
alleles in Michigan birds. 6th and 7th graders will observe similarities, differences, and discuss whether or not the traits are inherited, environmental, or a combination of both. 8th grade honors biology students will use Fretwell's
Ideal Free Distribution theory and conduct an investigation using this theory. Students will collect, record, and analyze data. All students will also take a guided tour to observe bird variations living at the station. Students will use histograms to graph and analyze the data collected from their observations.
A second grant will help establish a wildflower garden and certified monarch waystation at STEM Academy. This $1000 grant will help create an engaging outdoor learning space that also preserves and protects threatened Michigan native flora and fauna. STEM Academy staff are already working hard to connect the future wildflower garden learning with state benchmark and national standards, and plan for the garden to be used in a variety of subject areas (such as science, language arts, math, and creative arts) by multiple grade levels.
As participants in the
Kalamazoo Nature Center’s “Annie’s Big Nature Lesson,” the wildflower garden installation will also serve as STEM Academy's required community service project for the KNC program.
Congratulations on earning these grants!