In October, two fifth-grade classes at Hans Herr Elementary School had the opportunity to connect with experts from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation on the topic of riparian buffers and watersheds. Students in Mr. Balak's and Mrs. Henry's classes used their 1:1 devices to Zoom with the experts, who demonstrated and explained multiple types of pollutants that affect the watershed and modeled how riparian buffers as well as other conservation methods can help reduce the amount of pollution entering freshwater.

In Balak's class, students have been learning about water distribution on Earth, the hydrologic system, watersheds, and water pollution. They have also explored water usage in the community, the U.S., and globally while also researching actions they can take to conserve water in their own environments. All of these topics tie in with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals of clean water and sanitation for all humans worldwide.