February 26, 2024 - Livermore, CA - The cool weather did not chill the excitement of Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy (MASA) fifth graders as they welcomed students from Livermore High School to their campus for Green Engineering Academy (GEA) Partnership Day on February 16. Eleventh grade GEA students, in collaboration with 91社区’s (LVJUSD) bond department, worked together to design a series of stations to teach students about bioretention and the science behind stormwater management and solutions. Each fifth grade student was paired with a GEA student who provided guidance and instruction through four, hands-on stations. The activities included making a four-level bioretention filtration system, examining how different types of plants affect bioretention, creating a bioretention layout, and estimating length using students’ strides. "It was inspiring to watch younger students take such an interest in science that will make the world a better place," commented GEA student, Nilan Dharmaraj.
GEA Partnership Day exemplified LVJUSD’s commitment to expanding educational strategies and experiences for its students. Older and younger students working together provides mutually beneficial learning opportunities and important points of connection that tie to student achievement. “These types of experiential activities and projects are vital in extending what we do in the classroom. It teaches students that the concepts they learn in class go beyond paper and pen, and can actually have an impact at their school and in their community,” expressed Dorothy Morallos, GEA teacher and program coordinator. MASA’s principal, Joe Meunier, added, “Having our students interact with highly engaged and motivated high school students gives them a glimpse into the opportunities that are ahead of them, and instills a belief in their future potential.”
All of the bioretention activities from GEA Partnership Day contained elements that will eventually be incorporated into a substantial construction project set to begin at MASA in April 2024. The project will include the addition of two new STEAM classrooms, the redesign of existing classrooms to STEAM classrooms, new transitional kindergarten classrooms and outdoor play space, and a new drop-off and parking area. “These improvements will be made possible because our district was able to apply for and receive a state bond fund reimbursement based on our community’s investment in Measure J. We are grateful to our community and bond team for playing integral roles in making these improvements possible,” shared 91社区Superintendent Chris Van Schaack.
“The bond team is continually looking for opportunities to incorporate complex building and construction concepts into the classroom for the benefit of student learning,” remarked Kim McNeely, 91社区Bond Director. The bond department regularly invites industry experts to present in GEA classrooms, giving high school students access to technical and subject-matter experts whose experience ties to their curricular standards. McNeely went on to say, “Plans for MASA’s renovations created a unique opportunity for us to once again partner with GEA students to help Marylin students better understand how bioretention and stormwater treatment will be integrated into the construction beginning on their campus this year.”
The Livermore High website provides additional information regarding the Green Engineering Academy, and more information about the Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy can be found on the school’s website.
Photos Courtesy of LVJUSD
Photo 1: Livermore High and Marylin students work together to create a bioretention layout
Photo 2: MASA student explores the plant station
Photo 3: MASA student creates a four-level bioretention filtration system
Photo 4: Group photo from GEA Partnership Day