Chase STEM Academy (Toledo Public School)

This will directly impact the 100 5th-8th grade scholars at Chase STEMM Academy in Toledo, Ohio. This year, a school-wide initiative will focus on collecting and analyzing data using GLOBE protocols. In the fall of 2024, students began Water Quality Testing at the Manhattan Marsh located adjacent to the school and presented findings at the Student Watershed Watch, sponsored by The Toledo Zoo and The University of Toledo. 7th and 8th grade scholars presented to a room of approximately 250 local scientists, educators, and scholars from all over Northwest Ohio. They  were outstanding enough to win a prize for “Most Informative Presentation.” Water Quality Testing piqued their interest, and they plan to continue their research and expand their studies beyond the Metropark. Collectively, they have agreed to expand their research to encompass the Toledo Botanical Gardens, the Toledo Zoo, Cleveland Cliffs, the University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, and more. Contact has been made with many of these locations, but funding to continue the research has been difficult to obtain with the sheer number of projects intended. Having the funding to provide these experiences will not only help them learn about the importance of water quality, but it will also help overcome local challenges while positively impacting the community.