Civic Engagement/Action Projects

A very important part of this unit is the Civic Engagement that students engage in as a community solution to the plight of the Rusty Patched Bumblebee (RPB). In Lesson 5 of the unit, students brainstorm solutions to the RPB problem and learn to evaluate solutions by defining criteria for success and the constraints that they need to work within. It is essential for the teacher to have an action project arranged ahead of this lesson so that students can evaluate it and determine the details of the project by using the agreed upon criteria and constraints. Possible Action Projects/Community Solutions:

Action Project at Existing RPB Habitat
This would consist of maintaining, developing, or improving natural habitats. SkyDay has an established relationship with Nachusa Grasslands in Franklin Grove, IL and would be happy to facilitate an action project with them. If this is not logistically feasible, their guide for action projects (here) can be used at other sites. Any restoration, maintenance, or development of Illinois natural ecosystems can positively impact the RPB population. Many state parks and forest preserves have programs that would facilitate this type of action learning. Another option would be to work to establish, maintain and/or restore natural areas on the school grounds.

Creating New RPB Habitat at School
New RPB habitat can be created on school grounds or other approved areas in your community from seed, however the time it takes to do this, and lack of middle school student appropriate jobs makes this difficult. If you are interested in learning more about this type of project, this informational document from Prairie Moon Nursery provides guidance. If interested in pursuing this type of project, Prairie Moon can provide a seed mix to create the necessary habitat.

Milk Jug Germination
This type of habitat development can be expedited through the germination of seedlings beginning in the fall, and site preparation and planted in the spring. This process also provides students opportunities to learn about the growth and development of plants and dormancy cycles of plants native to Illinois. Many of the tasks necessary to undergo this type of habitat development can be done by middle school students. Details of this process can be found on this Prairie Moon Nursery Blog Post.