Grade 6 Students Present Water Projects: Exploring Global Water Challenges and Local Responsibility

At the heart of the world and water unit is a paradox: Though water covers much of our planet, clean freshwater is increasingly under threat. Under the guidance of Grade 6 humanities teacher Sarah Cohen, students examined a range of topics, including water scarcity, pollution, microplastics, and overgrowth of aquatic plants and algae blooms, caused by pollution, which deplete oxygen levels and produce cyanobacteria.

Students’ presentations were academic as well as artistic and personal. In addition to the presentation of an informative poster, each student created original artwork inspired by an image of the body of water they studied.

“Each presentation in our culminating water project reflected the individuality of the student behind it, shaped by their curiosity, compassion, and growing understanding of the world,” Cohen explained. “The projects addressed complex environmental challenges with courage and clarity, and what stood out most was how students supported one another while pursuing their own interests.”

 

This year’s projects spanned rivers and lakes across every continent. Luca Pangaro ’31 researched the Po River in northern Italy—the longest river in Italy—while Landon Morin ’31 studied chemical pollution in New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee. Meanwhile, Hsu-Chieh Kuo ’31 examined oil pollution in the Niger River Delta. His project emphasized the impact of the amount of oil that has spilled into the Niger River over a significant period of time, equating the amount (17.5 million liters) to the amount of water in seven Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Parker Freeland ’31 studied chemical and physical water pollution along the Yellow River

—also known as Huanghe, the second-longest river in China—with accompanying photos of why the river turned yellow. Other topics included Linus Shaud’s ’31 project on physical and chemical pollution in the Managua River in Nicaragua, and Alice Finn’s ’31 examination of microplastics in Lake Tahoe.

A few weeks before the final presentations, students participated in the annual Water Walk, an event that aims to educate the community about freshwater issues and usage. Other Middle School students and members of the professional community got to learn about water issues through activities, games, and demonstrations led by Grade 6 students at different outdoor stations on campus.

The world and water unit gives Grade 6 students the opportunity to explore local and global environmental issues and to demonstrate understanding and a commitment to working together to have a positive impact on the future of the essential resource that is water. “The students didn’t just learn about water issues,” said Cohen. “They imagined solutions, asked bold questions, and reminded us that hope and action go hand in hand.”