Youth Centered Learning through Community Science
San Francisco, CA
450 Architects in collaboration with CA Academy of Sciences and Studio Green
Working with two SFUSD middle schools and their after school providers, Academy staff aim to engage middle school youth and their out-of-school leaders in identifying a science-related research project of interest to their school community. The students will define a research question, and with Academy help, conduct authentic scientific research. They will then encourage the broader public to participate in the citizen science project of their design.
Building upon 450 Architects’ connection with the CA Academy of Sciences, Richard Parker, Courtney Rudd, and Sarah Richards led and engaged the Denman Middle School Science Action Club students in a workshop that focused on designing a green schoolyard for their school. Students completed sketches of garden beds with plants of their choice and presented their vision to the class. The students then selected plants at a local nursery and now are maintaining them in their green schoolyard. They’ve even learned about the benefits of pollinators and how to care for ladybugs in their garden.