The Problem
MUSE school environmental project for the fall of 2015 is to identify locations to where to place rain barrels around the school campus to collect rainfall. We are anticipating a good rainfall season in southern California (Calabasas area) as El Nino is expected this fall. We plan to re-purpose the rainfall to water non-edible foliage on our school campus. Rain barrels have many benefits. They divert water from drain systems in buildings in order to conserve a vital natural resource, water. They will help the school reduce costs of water bills. They will protect our oceans from excessive runoff. The students have mapped out both campuses and have identified key locations to best locate the rain barrel under gutters and downspouts of main buildings on the campus to collect the majority of rainfall. The 11th and 12th graders met with the 5th and 6th graders to introduce the project and why it is important for sustainability practices. The project leader introduced the concept of rain barrels, what they are used for, why they are used, and where the best locations are to place them. Our team has walked through the PRIME campus (elementary campus) to identify and to film key locations where the rain barrels would be most beneficial. The students will identify the quantity and lowest purchase price for the rain barrels for our school campuses. Currently, these are estimated at $85.00 per barrel from Tree People resource (recycled plastic barrels, dimensions 39” tall, 23” diameter, 55+ gallon capacity with a brass spigot garden hose attachment at its base). Although the program refunds $75 for homeowners, there is no specific refund for schools which is why we are applying to Jane Goodall for this grant. Three teachers at both campuses will be submitting for funding to cover $600 total for covering the majority of these expenses. During our walk through, we identified 8 locations on the PRIME campus that would be ideal. As we are lacking gutters for collection on the middle school/high school campus, we are not suggesting to place any rain barrels on this campus at this moment. The estimated total cost for the project will be $680. Costs of installation would be incurred by the school as modifications for the gutters would be minimal. In addition, the students will take photos of the installation and the celebration of the first rainfall. We plan to have the best article submitted with photos of the teams of students who worked on the campus to local newspapers to document the experience and show that environmental leaders can be children.
