Laguna Beach Students Tackle Stormwater Pollution

News Summary

Seventh-grade students at Thurston Middle School in Laguna Beach participate in a STEAM course focused on stormwater pollution. They engage in hands-on projects, conduct research, and present solutions to city officials, enhancing their environmental awareness. The initiative, supported by Poseidon Education and the Orange County Public Works H2OC Stormwater Program, emphasizes sustainability and aims to cultivate future leaders in environmental stewardship.

Laguna Beach Students Learn to Combat Stormwater Pollution through STEAM Course

Seventh-grade students at Thurston Middle School in Laguna Beach are actively engaged in a semester-long STEAM course that addresses pressing environmental challenges. Central to this initiative is the students’ focus on stormwater pollution, a significant issue impacting local ecosystems.

As part of their curriculum, students conducted research on effective methods for reducing stormwater pollution. Their studies culminated in a presentation to city and school staff, alongside representatives from the Moulton Niguel Water District, where they showcased their findings and proposed solutions.

Hands-on experiences formed a crucial part of the learning process. The students visited a nearby water treatment facility that detailed wastewater processing, providing them a comprehensive understanding of how stormwater management differs from wastewater treatment. Moreover, students undertook practical projects by cleaning storm drains on their campus, which directly contributed to reducing local pollution.

Principal Joseph Vidal observed the project’s positive influence on students, noting that it enhanced their awareness of community efforts surrounding environmental sustainability. The presentations, designed to resonate with their peers, included engaging elements such as cartoon portrayals of littering and an imaginative encounter with a fictional “supernatural sewer being.”

This program is a product of a partnership with Poseidon Education, which aims to integrate environmental literacy into the Laguna Beach school district’s curriculum. Additionally, Poseidon Education funded an internship supported by the Orange County Public Works H2OC Stormwater Program to empower students in developing and articulating their proposals focused on stormwater pollution reduction.

Patti Diaz, the CEO of Poseidon Education, remarked on the importance of providing students with experiences that would foster a lasting understanding of stormwater issues. Such education is viewed as essential for cultivating future generations who are aware of their environmental impact.

The program’s goals extend beyond the current participants. Stella Harwood, the district’s environmental literacy coordinator, emphasized the emphasis on sustainability and interactive learning, aiming to instill a sense of environmental stewardship among the young learners.

Students from Thurston Middle School are not the only ones recognized for their environmental initiatives. During a recent City Council meeting, various groups, including high schoolers and elementary students, received accolades for their environmental awareness projects and videos. This demonstrated a community-wide commitment to nurturing eco-consciousness.

This educational approach encourages experiential learning, fostering a strong connection between students, their community, and environmental responsibility. The overarching goal is to shape a generation of “change-makers” who are committed to sustainability and maintaining the ecological balance within Laguna Beach.

The integration of environmental projects within school curricula indicates a growing recognition of the importance of educating young people on sustainability issues. Through programs like these, students not only acquire knowledge but also develop practical skills that can lead to tangible improvements in their local environment.

As these students make strides in understanding and combating stormwater pollution, they embody the spirit of community engagement, showcasing how educational endeavors can play a pivotal role in addressing real-world issues.

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Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: Laguna Middle Schoolers Complete Environmental Stewardship Internship
• Orange County Register: Environmental Permit You Never Heard Of Could Clean or Foul Local Waters
• Patch: Which Orange County Beach Ranked Most Polluted?
• Newsweek: California Beach Water Warnings
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Stormwater Pollution