ResourcesStudents Learn Planting, Pruning and Precious Resources in the Real World
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What started as a classroom lesson turned into a real-world experience for many students at West Middle School.
Science teachers Judy Gordon and Morgan Spanel worked with the City of Aurora Water Department to teach students about water conservation. Water Department official Mark Cassalia met with students to talk about the use of water locally and worldwide. Topics included water as a limited resource, the importance of conservation and ways to conserve water.
“We wanted students to know that citizens use about 50 percent of their total water consumption during the summer just to water their lawns.”
- Mark Cassalia
City of Aurora Water Department
Teachers challenged students to create a xeriscape design that would require minimal use of water. One team of seventh grade students earned the honor of having their design used in front of the West Middle School sign on 13th Avenue and Del Mar Parkway.
Cassalia and a team of water department volunteers helped students plant flowers and bushes, spread mulch and install a low-volume irrigation system. “I think it is really cool to have rose bushes, daffodils and purple flowers in the ground,” said West student Fatima E.
“It feels really good to know that the garden outside is our design.”
- Lorena V.
West M.S. student
“I really enjoyed the opportunity to xeriscape our garden in the front of our school. I loved how it turned out!”
- Brenda B.
West M.S. student
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