Laura Dennemann

"Probing our World: Discovering Differences for a Better Tomorrow” is the winning program developed by Dennemann for students at St. Thomas School. Students will compare and contrast the effects of developed space versus green space by investigating temperature, water, and living organisms of both spaces. The seventh-grade students will measure surface temperatures in different places with varying amounts of development. They will also observe and identify living organisms at each location to determine if temperature and light exposure impact organisms. Students in the sixth grade will collect water and rain samples from a variety of sources in developed and green spaces to analyze the differences found. Eighth graders will map areas tested by other grades. Together, the entire school will develop conclusions based on data about developed and green spaces. Students will have the opportunity to improve public speaking skills when presenting ecological conclusions to the faculty, parents, and civic community. Dennemann, a resident of Burlington, anticipates that “Probing our World” will show a need for balance between developed and green spaces.