Warwick Education Foundation (WEF) exists to promote enriched education experiences in the Warwick School District. One of the ways this is accomplished is by creating partnerships between the district and the community in order to invest in students. To that end, WEF gives grants to teachers who apply for funds to enhance learning opportunities. A $1,000 grant from WEF brought stream table erosion labs to the four Lititz elementary schools, giving fifth-grade science students the opportunity to try prevention methods on a small scale.

Science teachers who are using the tables are Lititz Elementary's Dan Shelly, John Beck Elementary teacher Chad Felty, Stacie Bardell of John R. Bonfield Elementary, and Sarah Holton of Kissel Hill Elementary.

Shelly noted that students are using the equipment to develop strategies for preventing stream erosion and then testing their ideas for effectiveness. Students build model structures in a sand bed and then receive feedback by slowly releasing a measured amount of water. Raising or lowering a table end shows the effect of gradient on the force of the water runoff, with steeper slopes yielding faster flow. Students can simulate greater rainfall or snowmelt, increasing water volume and changing the level of impact. As the water moves to a lower level, the students can see which barriers work to keep structures safe and where the water breaks through.

Barbara Mobley, executive director of WEF, noted that the students can see a real-world parallel to the models. "In the past, Warwick High School students have put their science skills into practice helping the Lititz Run Watershed Alliance monitor water quality in the steam and its tributaries," she said. "Where will STEM training take these fifth-graders? Our hope is that giving Warwick students the extra tools they need ... will make a difference and help each one reach their academic and career potential."

WEF has donated more than $2.3 million to enrich learning in Warwick schools and invest in the future of the Warwick community. Readers who would like more information about WEF may visit http://www.WarwickEF.org or email info@WarwickEF.org.