An Ecological Restoration Experiment on a High School Campus: Fostering Science Education through Community Collaboration

Abstract

Abstract We established a tallgrass prairie restoration experiment on a high school campus in Kansas. This easily accessible natural environment provides students and teachers many options including scientific research, artistic ventures, or simply relaxing in nature. Our restoration project has four main objectives: (1) practicing science; (2) increasing prairie habitat; (3) fostering a sense of place by getting students outside; and (4) facilitating community collaboration. Here, we present an overview of our restoration as a general model that is adaptable for a variety of ecosystems and circumstances.