For more information about this fall's EcoThink Science Enrichment course, please see the class permission form:

Fall 2011 permission form (pdf)

Introducing the EcoThink Science Enrichment Program

Are you interested in learning how a field scientist works? Do you know which plants in our neighborhood are native, which are invasive, and which are safe to eat or touch? What is ‘Growing and Green in Oregon”? To find out, sign up for Rieke’s fall after-school science enrichment program. We will meet on Monday afternoons - Sept 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 24, Oct 31, and Nov 7 (no class Oct 17). Two optional field trips have been planned to learn about ethnobotany (Tryon Creek State Park) and sustainable forestry (Hopkins Tree Farm).

This is a six week, hands-on unit where each week builds on knowledge and experiences from the previous week as we explore science topics in our theme ‘Growing and Green in Oregon’. The program does involve several hands-on projects that require adult supervision. We encourage parents or grandparent participation so if you are available for one or more of the sessions and would like to contribute your time, please let us know. There will be a 20 student limit so sign up today! For more information, contact jamie.repasky@gmail.com

Rieke EcoThink is Evolving!

Starting this fall, the EcoThink Club will be changing into the EcoThink Science Enrichment program! The theme for the fall term is:

'Growing and Green in Oregon'

and will explore topics such as forestry, organic farming, native plants, riverbed restoration, and ethnobotany. During the Monday meetings there will be speakers, hands-on activities, and games to learn more about each topic. We are planning field trips to Bella Organic Farms, Tryon Creek State Park, a local native restoration site, and a sustainable logging site. This program has been designed to be fun and enriching to students and parents alike. If you would like to be involved or want to take part in this science enrichment, please contact jamie.repasky@gmail.com

Here's a short slideshow of the club's activities this spring:

Rieke EcoThink Club Spring 2011 from Jamie Repasky on Vimeo.

Recycling part II - Composting

Today the students learned how to recycle food waste in worm bins and compost piles. The club took a field trip to the Seker's house to experience the steps to composting. The students started their adventure by collected and assessed compostable items from around the house. They added the food waste and shredded paper to the compost pile and had a chance to dig and search for worms. After passing the compost quiz the students had time to meet some chickens and discover three eggs in the coop - Seker souvenirs! Special thanks to Mark Seker, aka the Tutor Doctor, for a wonderful experience for the club.

Composting field trip photos

The plastics are off to Farwest Fibers!

During the assembly yesterday, the EcoThink Club members helped carry all 20 bags of plastics that were collected during the Earth Week Plastic Drive to the front of the gym. Ranger Christal Florin from Tryon Creek State Park was impressed with how much plastic our community saved from the landfill! She talked to the students about recycling and about how to creating a waste-free lunch - showing examples from her lunch box. After the assembly, we packed all of the bags into her truck (it barely fit - check out the photo!) and they were off to be recycled.

Our club was featured in the Southwest Connection newspaper!

"Rieke EcoThink Club inspires green thinking for Earth Month"

http://www.swcommconnection.com/news/print_story.php?story_id=130392511762057600