Deerfield Run Elementary School

FEBRUARY 2012

Deerfield Elementary Learns to Keep Our Waterways Clean

The students from Deerfield Run Elementary School in Laurel, MD went to a nearby stream to check its water quality using nets and bowls. The first thing they observed was that the water wasn't very clear. So, they immediately used one of the bowls to take a sample of the water. It was green. The kids and their Buddy Bison teacher Seth hunted for microorganisms for 30-40 minutes but the only things they found were shells and dead organisms. The Deerfield students learned that it is very hard for most organisms to survive in areas that are polluted. 

DECEMBER 2011

The Deerfield Trail Blazers

Last year, teacher Seth Tucker and the students at Deerfield Run Elementary School in Laurel , MD blazed a nature trail in the woods behind their school! The students built the ¼ mile trail in the woods by raking leaves, clearing roots, cutting branches, and pulling weeds. Recently, I visited Deerfield , where a new group – The Green Leaders – is making a trail guide to educate others about the trails ecosystem. They are also sending letters to other Buddy Bison schools telling them about their experiences and encouraging them to build their own trails.

The Deerfield students said: “We built a trail because we want other kids at our school to learn about nature. Also we wanted to learn more about nature and conservation ourselves. We hope to leave a legacy at our school.”

I had a wonderful time exploring this trail! Great job Deerfield !

Fifth graders from Deerfield Elementary (Laurel, MD) hiking on their newly built trail.