We continued our systems work by learning about some of the principles that are involved, specifically Interdependence. The principle was highlighted in the Balinese story, Gecko’s Complaint. The kids also watched a video about how the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park had a larger impact on the ecosystem.

How Wolves Change Rivers from Sustainable Human on Vimeo.

We also began our investigation of the Flint Water Crisis. Students were split into groups focusing on the stories and science behind the situation. Some wrote accounts of residents that suffered and became citizen scientists and advocates. Others described the role different government agencies played. In order to help make sense of how things unfolded, one group made a timeline and another worked on two maps, one of which showed where high concentrations of lead could be found in the city. The last group focused on the science behind why the Flint River was more corrosive than the Detroit River and the relationship between chlorine, iron corrosion and microorganisms.