HROA students create, run community earth lab

As a public alternative school within Hood River County School District, HROA “blends a traditional alternative model with a flexible online and hybrid approach to education,” Lyon said. “As a high school science and art teacher for HROA, I have been searching for the right balance between in-person and online learning, particularly with lab investigations and art opportunities.”

Waucoma Park, located on Montello, dates back to 1900, though it was “lost” for decades before being cleaned up and rededicated as a community green space. Turns out it’s also a great place for an outdoor science lab.

Lyon brought her students to the park every week for a year to create nature journals and explored patterns, structure and function, and cause and effect — all concepts from the Next Generation Science Standards.

“Over time, I fell in love with the park, and many of my students became regular visitors, developing their own relationships with the space,” she said.

The inspiration for the Little Free Earth Lab came from that experience, coupled with a grant from Hood River County Education Foundation to purchase a Free Little Library. Instead of books, you’ll find hands-on activities for all ages. April’s theme is Celebrate Earth: Stability and Change.

“Working with the land and building relationships within the community feels essential for these students,” Lyon said. “We’ve been fortunate to learn alongside local partners — Riverkeepers, Donnelly Orchards, the Re-Build It Center, Gorge MakerSpace, the gardeners at FISH Food Bank, and Starr Farms — who have generously shared their time and resources. Through these connections, students begin to take responsibility for how they care for the land and for one another. My hope is that the relationships rooted in this park continue to deepen, inviting more people to learn from it, contribute to it, and care for it.”

The student-run science and art station was approved and supported by the City of Hood River. Lyon presented the project to city council earlier this year.

“I am deeply grateful for the support of HROA staff, the school district, the City of Hood River, the surrounding neighborhood, my students, my family, and all those who helped bring the Earth Lab to life,” Lyon said.

For those wishing to contribute to the Earth Lab, visit hroa.hoodriver.k12.or.us/activities/the-earth-lab. You’ll find a list of small, weather safe and science items that are needed, as well as a donation link to help restock the student-made projects.