Molly Sawyer, Amy Goheen & Amy Cowgill

The goal of the "Backyard Meadow Project" is to help students at Centerville Primary Village South reverse the destruction of Ohio's native habitats by building a meadow land lab. Suburban sprawl has destroyed the homes of many of the state's meadow creatures. Sawyer and her two colleagues saw an opportunity to develop a safe habitat for endangered wildlife that would inspire exploration, encourage problem solving, improve communication and instill respect for all living creatures among the more than 700 kindergarten and first-grade students who will participate in the project. Students will incorporate measurement, mapping, research and decision-making skills as they work to design the meadow. Their research will be documented in a series of photographs, illustrations and written observations, which will be shared with the school and surrounding community as the project progresses. This early introduction to nature's wonders will help bring about a greater awareness of wildlife conservation and create a new generation of scientists and problem solvers who can make a difference in the world.