Leslie Ross

"Using the Outdoors to Teach Experiential Science" is a project developed by Ross to provide students with real-life experiences to apply science knowledge. Students at Ben L. Smith High School will learn about the environmental benefits and functions of wetland areas located in their own neighborhood. A team of biology, chemistry and environmental science teachers will lead students to develop inquiry-driven observations and experiments to learn more about the local wetland. Water samples will be collected to test Ph and dissolved oxygen levels. Students will gather and identify microbial activity and macro-invertebrate samples. All observances will be documented using a digital camera. Students will also complete a series of soil analyses and use GPS technology to map the specific location of plants and wildlife habitats. Ways to improve conditions of the wetland will be presented to environmental community organizations using PowerPoint. Ross resides in Greensboro.