Students from Midview East Intermediate recently explored the Lorain County Solid Waste Management District’s new Sustainability Learning Center (SLC), marking the first school visit since its opening in October!
The Sustainability Learning Center offers interactive tours to educate families on the importance of recycling, reusing, and composting waste. The facility features engaging games, informative stations, and vivid visuals, all designed to foster environmental consciousness among young learners and the community.
“The SLC’s mission is to inspire change through educational and engaging experiences, making sustainability accessible to all residents who are served by the Lorain County Solid Waste Management District,” said Brandi Schnell, Community Outreach Coordinator & Special Projects Manager of the Lorain County Solid Waste Management District. “Hopefully, the SLC will play a vital role in shaping a more environmentally conscious community and encouraging residents to take actionable steps toward a greener future. I also believe that starting with students and teaching them these things now will allow them to grow up and become adults who care about sustainability.”
The trip also served as the kick-off for Midview East’s annual Middie Makers Upcycled Design Challenge. Students will leverage their experience at the SLC, along with their critical thinking skills, creativity, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) knowledge, to design innovative arcade games out of repurposed cardboard and other recyclable materials.
Thanks to previous grant funding from the Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) Classroom Grant Program, students have access to all the necessary tools—including Makedo tools, creative card builder kits, Dazzlinks, a Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Labo Kits, and Hummingbird robotic kits—to bring their designs to life (complete with lights, motors, and sensors!).
Their arcade games, along with a series of fun sustainability activities, will be showcased during the district’s Family STEM Night on May 8.
We extend our gratitude to the Lorain County Solid Waste Management District for their partnership in inspiring innovative thinkers committed to a sustainable future. Additionally, we sincerely thank the Midview Middies’ PTA and the Lorain County Solid Waste Management District for covering the transportation costs of this valuable educational trip!