Following the success of School District 83's inaugural Environmental Expo, organizers are hoping to see it take root and continue in the future.
The expo tasked students with doing environmental research projects on a topic of their choice, which they then presented to the public in the Mall at Piccadilly on Earth Day, April 22. Wayne Spencer, who co-organized the event with Kim Fulton, said in a media release that "the range of topics shows the level of concern and interest by today's students."
Students of all ages researched timely and locally relevant topics such as climate change mitigation, whirling disease, water conservation, FireSmarting and food security, among others.
Fulton added that in addition to the variety of issues the students thought important, their level of participation was also impressive. He was particularly pleased with the quality and depth of projects from older kids, noting that high school engagement has often been lacking.
"There was very good participation... there was in-depth exploration and some students even looked into how to take action," Fulton said. "One group handed out tips and suggestions on how to conserve water."
He added the level of public participation and interaction with students was also great to see as they asked questions which encouraged kids to really know their topic.
Spencer and Fulton are planning to continue the expo next year, with the goal to continue building mentorships and community connections to allow kids to do more in-depth exploration and maybe even work experience, which could lead to further education in environmental studies.
"It might not happen this year," Fulton said. "But that is what we are working towards."
