Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development Professor Ellen Faszewski and MMOC Administrator Matt Eddy led a class of Boston University students on a tour of the Muddy River this week. This trek was part of the Integrated Science II course, which examines the local urban ecosystem and utilizes the skills of quantitative literacy, scientific inquiry, and creative design. As Professor Faszewski explains, “Students learn about the living and non-living components of the Muddy River ecosystem, the restoration of the River, and the various stakeholders who are involved in maintaining the health of the ecosystem.”
Prior to the tour with Matt, students studied “the fundamentals of Olmsted’s design, the purpose of the River (and Emerald Necklace), and then the changes in the ecosystem that led to the Restoration Project. Students visited the site to make observations regarding the health of the ecosystems as well as create questions based on their observations. Students then conducted some preliminary research to answer those questions,” Faszewski adds.
The tour was intended to enrich future stewards’ knowledge about the Muddy River and the recently completed Restoration Project. Students were also able to ask Matt a range of questions about the Project’s immense benefits in environmental stability.
The students are majoring in a variety of fields: science, journalism, education and human development.
