SIUE Upward Bound Students Enjoy Lessons Learned at Swarovski Water School
Similar to being on such major rivers as the Nile, the Ganges or the Amazon, this summer, 15 students from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s TRIO Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) program participated in the Swarovski Water School, using the Mississippi River as a classroom.
“I wanted TRIO Upward Bound students to take part in something special,” said Erica Doerr, former UBMS counselor and STEM instructor. “I wanted students to have a hands-on and immersive experience, and I wanted them to participate in research, learn about science and envision themselves as scientists.”
Students were at the National Great River Research and Education Center (NGRREC) in East Alton from Monday-Friday, June 20-24. NGRREC hosts the only Swarovski Water School in North America, according to Doerr, whose last day at SIUE was on Friday, Aug. 26. She will begin work as an environmental educator at the NGRREC on Thursday, Sept. 1.
Prior to embarking on their river adventure, students learned about the water cycle, the amount of water on the planet and how little of that water is freshwater, noted Doerr. Also, Eric Roberson, assistant professor of history at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, was invited to share the history of the Mississippi Bottomlands and Underground Railroad in recognition of Juneteenth.
Once students arrived at the river, some of the activities included canoeing and paddle boarding in the Alton Slough, watering trees, gathering water samples for analysis, collecting and identifying trash pollution on the Mississippi River and documenting their activities through video.
“The Water School was a memorable and fun-filled experience that incorporated art, science and research,” said Doerr. “The camp was a great way for students to enjoy their time experiencing science and discovery, while pushing their comfort zones.”
Chris Cooper, interim director of Upward Bound EC/BEM-Math & Science, concurs. “We were extremely pleased that our students could participate in the Water School. I always tell the students that, ‘Your drive determines your destination.’”
In Doerr’s new role, she plans to continue to bring science programming to Upward Bound students.
The Upward Bound Math and Science program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science, and ultimately careers in the math and science profession.
Photo courtesy: Erica Doerr
UBMS students participated in the Swarovski Water School on the Mississippi River this summer.
