Ecological Society of America

"Enriching the Pipeline: Implementing a sustainable outreach program for elementary schools" Special Project

Funded in 2006, this project allowed the Environmental Sciences Student Organization (ESSO) to establish a model poster competition for elementary school students to increase awareness of current environmental issues, stimulate interest in environmental stewardship, and inspire students to ultimately pursue careers in ecological sciences. The student poster competition is an intervention-outreach effort aimed at elementary school students in grades 3 through 5. The competition promoted student awareness of the ecological sciences through hands-on scientific inquiry.

First begun in 2000, the ESSO poster competition has had continued participation of one elementary school. The primary goal this year with Special Project funding was to increase the number of participants by 20%. In doing so, the Chapter accomplished these additional goals: (1) education of elementary school students about ecology through a fun, interactive and competitive project; (2) awareness increase through advocacy; (3) promotion of career opportunities in ecological & environmental sciences; and (4) professional development opportunities for ESSO members who demonstrate leadership and community service.

Third, fourth, and fifth grades were invited to participate. The ecological theme for the poster competition was "ESI to CSI: Capturing the Climate Change Culprit." ESSO members visited each grade level at each school to discuss the project and provide on-going assistance to the class. Each class was asked to develop a poster and an accompanying scientific report on the determined competition topic. Thirty-three posters were entered into the competition from five county schools. The posters were judged as follows: originality of approach; scientific merit; demonstration of concept mastery; overall composition and design; organization (flow of material); and general readability. The $500.00 first place award was awarded to Sealey Elementary school 4th graders Ahmet Sirdas and Hamsa Bhatty in Mrs. Pack's class. The second place award ($300.00) was won by W.T. Moore 4th grader, Alex Sherman of Mrs. Foster's class and the third place award ($100.00) went to Astoria Park Panthers, Mr. Nelson's 5th grade class. Several honorable mentions were also awarded. The Chapter was very inspired by the kids' enthusiasm and their ability to present youthful yet creative ideas regarding this serious issue facing scientists and our society as a whole.