Past projects 2
Varela Pond Restoration Part 2
Funded Dec 4, 2017Our Objectives met: (Due to Hurricane Irma- the start of the project was delayed)
• Students researched lighting alternatives for the pond. They looked at solar power as well as LED lighting. This led to the purchase of solar powered waterproof lighting for the perimeter of the pond based on measurements for maximum lighting range.
Testimonial:
"The making of this pond was hard work- we worked through the rain and heat. There were many days we thought we would never finish. But it was so cool to see the progress we made. I would take pictures to see the progress for myself. It was also really nice to hear all the nice things teachers and students would say as they walked by about how excited and happy they were that we were doing this. Once we turned on the waterfall and the filter and we had a working pond, I was really happy and proud- this is something I did to help make my school a better place."
Samuel Vargas- 10th Grader
Next steps- once the pond and the adjacent rock garden are complete- students will install the LED solar power lights in a pattern to maximize lighting effect for the area.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Vinat
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Donor and one other donor.Our School's Pond Restoration Project
Funded Dec 1, 2017The objectives we met included: (Due to Hurricane Irma- the start of the project was delayed)
• Students worked along the participating teachers about the new layout for the pond. This new layout had to take into account materials needed, space, redesign, filtration needs, electrical needs as well as the addition of a waterfall and foliage.
• Students researched lighting alternatives for the pond. They looked at solar power as well as LED lighting. This led to the purchase of solar powered waterproof lighting for the perimeter of the pond.
• Students worked along with participating teachers to decided way to maintain the PH balance of the pond. The decision was made to lay the found of the pond with river rocks, the purchase of a skimmer box and filtration system and the addition of lily pads and fish.
• Students worked along the participating teachers to measure the dimensions of the new pond in order to reshape the original 3 ponds into one sustainable pond. Then students measured depth of the pond in order to level out the pond to increase flow. They also measured distance between power source and pond to create a trench for the electrical needs of the pond.
• Students worked along with participating teachers to create the wall for the waterfall.
• Students assisted in the placing of the liners, installing of filtration system and waterfall as well as making all tubing and electrical connections.
• Students worked along with participating teachers to decide on the vegetation that would surround the new pond.
Testimonial:
"The making of this pond was hard work- we worked through the rain and heat. There were many days we thought we would never finish. But it was so cool to see the progress we made. I would take pictures to see the progress for myself. It was also really nice to hear all the nice things teachers and students would say as they walked by about how excited and happy they were that we were doing this. Once we turned on the waterfall and the filter and we had a working pond, I was really happy and proud- this is something I did to help make my school a better place."
Samuel Vargas- 10th Grader
Next steps- adding large river stones to the perimeter of the pond to hold down the liner as well as add a decorative element. Plant decorative shrubs and plants along the waterfall.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Vinat