Here's one of those cool only-in-Detroit stories: Hope Detroit Academy, thanks to a grant from
Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative, has 250 students participating in a science program that begins with identifying tire dumping sites -- and ends with the tires being recycled into doormats.
Teacher Tracy Durandetto says the lessons learned integrate well into science lessons. "The kids are really excited, saying 'I've never had so much fun cleaning up!'" she says. "After all, this is their neighborhood."
In grades four and five, the lessons have to do with plants and animals, while middle school students are actually learning about brownfields, recycling and environmental objectives, says Durandetto.
The program's partners include Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision, which works with the students to identify the dumping sites, and
Cass Community Social Services, whose staff and homeless volunteers then convert the tires to mats as part of an employment education program.
Durandetto says the students found eight dumping sites, but only two were able to be dealt with because of program limitations. She is hoping to hear back soon about continuing the program into next year.
Hope Detroit is located at 4443 N. Campbell east of Livernois in Southwest Detroit.
Source: Tracy Durandetto, Hope Detroit Academy
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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