Cole said the seed for the science club was planted during the 2010-11 school year after a cluster of students expressed interest in science-related careers.
Principal Carmela Cotter said the high school has had science clubs in the past, but she has been particularly impressed with the efforts of Cole and his students.
“The kids seem to be on fire with it,” Cotter said. “Attention to academics is so important and making sure our kids are well prepared.”
Most notably, Cole said the science club has converted an acre of land near the school into a “land lab,” which will be developed this spring to include perennials, a pond to establish species of amphibians, and places to collect insects.
“Not a whole lot of schools can claim having natural space on campus for research,” said Cole, a 2003 MHS graduate. “Long-term I hope the high school is known for having a strong science program.”
Senior Sadie Slamka is one member of the club hoping for a career in marine biology. Slamka and another classmate help water the greenhouses each day.
“It’s like walking into a different school,” she said. “I didn’t think I’d be as interested in botany, but we’re so excited to come in everyday and see the plants sprouted.”
Slamka is in the midst of researching water quality in Middletown by monitoring samples from four locations for the livelihood of species such as tadpoles and pH testing for acidity levels.
“It’s a little more experience that will hopefully give me a leg up,” Slamka said.
Other activities of the club include making and installing bird houses near the land lab, designing and selling T-shirts, pumpkin carving and hikes around Butler County including Hueston Woods State Park.
The club is holding a plant sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 28 behind the high school, located at 601 N. Breiel Blvd. About 120 medium-to-large tomato plants and other vegetables and peppers will be sold.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2179 or Hannah.Poturalski@coxinc.com.
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