Jefferson Elementary School

Fifth grade STEM Ambassadors at Jefferson Elementary are taking science and stewardship into their own hands. Partnering with Chuck Harvuot, Indiana Master Naturalist, and Lyn Crighton, Executive Director of The Watershed Foundation, students recently conducted routine water-quality testing at Cherry Creek and discovered elevated E. coli levels.

Under the guidance of Harvuot and Crighton, students collected and incubated water samples, analyzed E. coli concentrations, and began investigating potential sources of contamination. This real-world project integrates math, science, and writing skills while building environmental awareness and problem-solving abilities.

The collaborative investigation will continue in the coming weeks, with students working alongside local water-quality experts to identify the contamination source and explore possible solutions. The effort supports Jefferson Elementary’s mission to foster STEM excellence, environmental stewardship, and employability skills through authentic, community-based projects.