Wetland Watchers: Kids Care for Their Environment

TL;DR

Middle school teacher Barry Guilliot leads students in a service-learning program focused on restoring and preserving wetlands, providing hands-on learning experiences and empowering students to make a difference.

Transcript

All right, everybody listen up. >>Narrator: When Barry Guilliot speaks, his students listen. >>Barry: So you're all able to leave a legacy for our seventh-graders for next year by planting these seeds. >>Narrator: It could be his imposing 6-foot, 5-inch frame, or it could be his impressive background. >>Barry: I was a bouncer in a barroom while I... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤗 Barry Guilliot's approach to education is focused on service learning and engaging students in hands-on activities.
• 🧑‍🎓 The Wetland Watchers program teaches students about wetland preservation and restoration, providing practical learning experiences.
• 👨‍💼 Partnerships with local businesses and government agencies are crucial for the success of the program.
• 👻 Service learning allows students to develop a sense of identity and purpose during their middle school years.
• 🤗 Learning through service and hands-on activities enhances student engagement and understanding.
• 👻 Assessment through observation and interaction allows teachers to gauge students' comprehension more effectively than traditional lectures.
• 🧑‍🎓 Bringing in experts enhances students' learning experiences by providing different perspectives and insights.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the Wetland Watchers program?

The Wetland Watchers program, initiated by Barry Guilliot, is a service-learning program that educates students about wetlands and involves them in activities such as planting trees and monitoring water quality.

Q: How does Coastal Roots help students appreciate wetlands?

Coastal Roots provides students with the opportunity to grow trees from seeds, helping them understand the importance of wetlands and giving them a sense of ownership over their environment.

Q: How does service learning benefit students in middle school?

Service learning allows middle school students to become positive, contributing members of their community, helping them develop a sense of identity and purpose during this critical stage of personal development.

Q: What is the role of partnerships in the Wetland Watchers program?

The program has gained support from local businesses and government agencies, with 35 partners contributing time and resources to support the yearlong activities of the program.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Barry Guilliot teaches middle school students about the environment by engaging them in service learning projects to preserve wetlands and restore their ecosystem.

• The program, called Coastal Roots, teaches students about wetland loss and the importance of planting trees to prevent it.

• Guilliot's approach is standards-based, ensuring that students not only learn but also contribute positively to their community.