IB programming brings classroom content to life in a real-world context

In a unique blend of environmental stewardship and interdisciplinary learning, Huron High School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program students Tuesday embarked on a field trip to both Furstenberg Nature Area and the Freeman Environmental Education Center. The excursion was part of their Collaborative Science Project (CSP), a cornerstone of the IB’s Group 4 Science curriculum.
This year’s project focuses on a pressing ecological concern: invasive species. During the day-long event, 88 students applied scientific methods to explore real-world environmental issues, bridging the gap between classroom theory and practical application.
A day of hands-on environmental exploration
The day began at Huron High School, where students received an initial briefing before heading to Furstenberg Park across the street, where they learned about ongoing restoration efforts. The rest of the school day was spent at the Freeman Environmental Education Center, where students engaged in hands-on, experiential learning activities.
As he trimmed branches at Freeman, Huron senior Kai Farjo said the day was an excellent opportunity for high school students to help the community.
“And I think it’s interesting to analyze the stuff we study in classrooms takes place around us,” said Kai. “So invasive species: We’re able to see them in the classroom, but a lot of times we can’t interact with them and do something to stop them. So I think this is really great.”

Fostering collaboration and real-world problem-solving
The Collaborative Science Project is designed to foster interdisciplinary teamwork and problem-solving skills, explained Carrie James, IB Coordinator at Huron High School.
The collaborative sciences project (CSP) gives Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) students the opportunity to work together in an interdisciplinary team by working towards a common goal related to a real-world issue, pursued through the lens of the scientific method, she said.
“At Huron, this project includes all of our DP Science students,” said James. “We see our young biologists, chemists, and physicists working with our computer and environmental scientists. When we create these unique interdisciplinary teams of students, and give them a real and relevant problem to explore, we have a wonderful day of learning together.”
This year’s focus with Freeman is on invasive species in the local environment.
Community partnerships enhance the learning experience
AAPS is fortunate to access the resources and knowledge of our AAPS Environmental Education team as well as a unique collaboration with members of the Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP) team and City of Ann Arbor Climate Corps that will lead our students through the work that has been taking place over the last 30 years at Furstenberg Park through controlled burns and invasive plant removal. James said.
“As the students explore the conservation progress at this site, they will move to Freeman for ecosystem comparison, exploration of both invasive plant and animal species, research, and removal as they prepare to present their findings to our 9th grade Huron Biologists,” said James.
AAPS Environmental Education Lead Teacher Coert Ambrosino hopes students will come away from this experience with stronger conceptual understandings, a greater comfort level with using relevant science vocabulary, and most of all a heightened sense of interest and passion for this important environmental topic.
“The format of the day is unique, with a range of varied activities that include an auditorium presentation, a guided hike facilitated by knowledgeable community partners, a collaborative game, a solo hike with thinking and observation prompts, hands-on service to practice an invasive plant management strategy, and small-group research time,” said Ambrosino. “I think it will prove to be an engaging day of teaching and learning that will help student groups dive head first into their individual research topics.”

This project has led to meaningful and creative collaboration between EE Program teachers and Huron IB teachers and staff, as well as community experts and volunteers, Ambrosino said.
“The IB Collaborative Science Project has been one avenue by which we have worked to increase environmental learning opportunities for AAPS secondary students at the Freeman Environmental Education Center, and the annual focus on environmental challenges in this small group research project is a wonderful example of how teachers can support the district’s sustainability education goals—Section 2 of the AAPS Environmental Sustainability Framework—within the context of an existing curriculum requirement.”


As the day concluded, students returned to Huron High School for a group work session, consolidating their findings and reflections. The project will continue in the coming weeks, with students developing action plans based on their field experiences.
By the end of the afternoon, student teams were excited to apply the concepts they had explored through a range of experiential learning activities together throughout the day to their specific invasive species research topic.
Senior Emily Rhodes said she appreciated the hands-on experience and the opportunity to see the things she’d learned in the classroom up close. And she said she appreciates the fact that the 40-acre Freeman Environmental Education Center is available to students.
“It gives a lot of people who haven’t had an experience like this a chance to come out, use these tools, and learn about it,” she said. “They might go home and do this in their own yards.”





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