Building a Mini-Ecosystem
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Students collect mud and water from the Lotus Pond for lab.
The 8th-grade class recently went on an adventure to the Lotus Pond for their Winogradsky Columns project. These columns are like tiny ecosystems containing water and mud from the Lilly Pond, hard-boiled egg yolk, and cut-up newspaper. Over the next few weeks, these mini-ecosystems will undergo a fascinating transformation as various microbes thrive within the different layers.
The Winogradsky column project offers students an opportunity to observe an interconnected microbial ecosystem in action. Currently, the columns are basking in the sunlight, where they will incubate. This hands-on project is just one example of the engaging activities that Ms. Zito leads with her 8th-grade class.
Beyond her work with 8th graders, Ms. Zito also plays a pivotal role in MSA's concrete canoe team and Applied Engineering program. Her teaching approach seamlessly blends theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experiences, ensuring that her students not only gain knowledge but also the essential practical skills.
