Whiz Kids: Ms. Fowler’s 7th Graders Build Model Sustainable Homes

Know a student or group of students who should be recognized? Scroll down for instructions on submitting a nomination.

Melrose Patch Whiz Kid of the Week

• Ms. Dana Fowler's 7th Grade Math Class
  
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• Accomplishment: Creating model sustainable homes using recyclable materials.
  

Melrose Recycling Coordinator Mary Beth Calnan nominated these 7th graders for their work in creating model sustainable homes using items taken from their recycling bins at home.

Fowler told Melrose Patch she got the idea for the assignment from a Leslie University class she took that, coincidentally, was taught by Hoover School Principal Dr. Dennet Sidell.

"I just fine-tuned the project a little and geared it toward my 7th grade math class," she said. "The students love hands-on projects and the research involved. I was very impressed by how well they worked together."

Below is the nomination submitted by Calnan:

I would like to nominate Ms. Dana Fowler’s 7th grade class. I was invited to view their sustainable homes that were made from items taken from their recycling bins at home! 

The assignment started with bringing in items from their recycling bins at home. When the students arrived to class, Ms. Fowler told them they needed to buy land, build a home, and live off the land, while keeping track of how much money it would cost and how long the pay back would take. The recyclables would be used to construct a model of  their property while they gave their presentation.

I was impressed at how these students rattled off how they would erect wind turbines, solar panels and geothermal systems for electricity and heating systems that would allow them to live off the grid and reduce their carbon footprint. They talked about insulation made from blue jeans, and green roofs and rain barrels that would conserve water and energy. Most of them had livestock and vegetable gardens that would allow them to never shop at a supermarket. Their ideas were creative and certainly showed a respect for the environment. Two thumbs up!

We need nominations!

Each week, Melrose Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.  Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to danield@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

• Nominator's Name
• Nominator's E-Mail
• Whiz Kid's Name
• Whiz Kid's Age
• Whiz Kid's School
• Whiz Kid's Accomplishment
• An explanation of the accomplishment (approximately 150-300 words).
• A photo, if available.