Emerson Exhibition Project

During the early spring, students from Mrs. LeDuc's 5th grade class at Emerson Elementary in Owosso embarked on a project. The objective was to meet Mrs. LeDuc's challenge by identifying a community or global issue and creating an action plan. Many students expressed concerns about the environment, leading them to explore topics such as climate change, air pollution, and ocean plastics. After careful consideration, they decided to focus on pollutants, particularly plastics entering the ocean. They questioned their origin and path to the ocean.

The students discovered that plastics discarded on streets, in neighborhoods, and along city roads do not remain in these locations. Rain and wind transport plastic waste into streams, rivers, and drainage systems, ultimately reaching the oceans. This realization sparked their interest. They began researching local organizations dedicated to protecting the Shiawassee River. They contacted the Friends of the Shiawassee River to explore ways to contribute to their cause.