Elementary School

• A true environment impact investigation, this project revolves around the impact of parking lots and paved areas on the environment. Grade 4 students will examine the role of the parking lot primarily in terms of water movement. Students will assist in the design and maintenance of a Rain Garden to assist in the absorption of water. Lessons will involve the concepts of area and perimeter, and use computer simulations to map the area and spacing for the native plants. Items collected from parking lot will be used as indicators of chemical, physical, and biological activity directly related to parking lot. Pilot projects will occur during the spring of 2008 at Eldersburg and Piney Ridge Elementary Schools. What are rain gardens?
  
•  Future projects involve creating nectaring flower gardens at elementary schools for butterfly tagging projects and lessons for grades K-2.