Though visible water in Philadelphia exists mostly in large bodies like the Delaware River, Schuylkill River, and Wissahickon Creek, a small uncovered stream in West Philadelphia remains. Cobbs Creek is the focal point of an Academically Based Community Service (ABCS) class coordinated by the Netter Center for Community Partnerships.
Through the course, 11 Penn students and 14 high school students from William L. Sayre High School come together at Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center to co-learn and explore environmental science, engineering, and how to play an active role in one’s environment.
“[I like] being able to come here and [learn] about scientific things: what reduces erosion and what doesn’t, what affects the fish population,” said Sumaiyyah Fitchett-Fleming, one of the ninth graders from Sayre.
Through hands-on mentorship and exploration, the Sayre and Penn students identify animals and insects, look for examples of human modification to the creek environment, and beyond. The course aims to teach students not only how human activity has negatively impacted the environment but also how the environment can positively influence their lives.
“It’s amazing for me to see this,” said LaRon Smith, who teaches the ninth graders. “Let the students see nature and ecology outside of the neighborhood. See how nature actually works.”
“That experience of getting in the creek and putting the waders on, it’s super exciting for the students and it’s super exciting for us,” said Cypress Kaulbach, a third-year Penn earth science major. “The creek shapes our relationships.”
Read more at Penn Today.