From Eighth Grade Science Teachers Traci Hazley and Kelly Jankowski:

"Our students learned the basics of chemistry and physics this year. They should now be able to discuss how different chemical elements in the water can affect the environment in and around Barnegat Bay. Some of our students went to the Ocean County Park and did soil and water testing. They discovered that if there was a high level of Nitrogen in the water it could be detrimental to aquatic life in a lake. We took nature walks at various times throughout the year and some students observed different ecosystems in their neighborhood parks. County Park staff also did a presentation about watersheds for our students and demonstrated how local streams and other water bodies in our watershed can affect Barnegat Bay. This specific science content is not normally discussed in the 8th grade curriculum but we incorporated it by participating in the Rain Barrel Challenge. The students started the Rain Barrel Challenge by brain storming and researching what marine debris is and where it can be found. Some of our students have never been to the beach. Attending the Kids Day Festival at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City was an exciting day for all of our students but it was especially an adventure for students that have never been there before. The Rain Barrel Challenge has been a fun, new experience for our students that has brought a lot of excitement to the middle school."