| In the fall of 2004, two classes of inner-city biology students conducted a study of the effects that human activity had on their local river. In the past, students at the school had shown very little interest in the ecology of the local river and its watershed. It was believed, however, that if the students were allowed to participate in the study of a real local issue and were given the opportunity to educate the citizens of Flint about what they had learned, the attitudes and opinions of the students, as well as their understanding of the river ecology, would drastically change.; The students were taken to two sections of the Flint River to assess the water quality and surrounding habitat - first to a rural area, then to a site in the city. They discovered the difference in water quality, determined the reasons for the difference and concluded what citizens might do to slow river degradation.; In the beginning the students were apathetic and disinterested. After their study, however, they developed an active interest in the river. They were able to succinctly state (in brochures that they developed and radio-broadcast public service announcements that they wrote) how they, as well as others, could make a difference in the health of the river. The students also demonstrated an awareness and understanding of the ecology concepts with increased scores on a post-unit test as compared to a pre-unit assessment. |
