Students’ projects on Askam boreholes move forward

PLAINS TWP. — Students in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District have teamed up with Earth Conservancy and the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation to bring awareness to orange-colored acid mine treatment ponds.

Thanks to a grant, seventh- and eighth-grade students in gifted science classes at Solomon/Plains Junior High School have toured acid mine ponds, such as the one in the Askam section of Hanover Township, off state Route 29. Currently, the students are creating four sign panels — three of them 18 by 24 inches and one of them 24 by 36 inches — for the trail that runs around the pond.

“It’s been a fun experience, getting them involved,” said Jared Meehan, gifted science teacher.

During Meehan’s class period Monday, Elizabeth Hughes, director of communications for Earth Conservancy, looked at the mock up of the signs. She encouraged the students and explained design principals to seven student groups.

“I am very impressed,” Hughes said of the signs. “They (the students) really understand (acid mine drainage and treatment).”

Students Hailey Rivera, 14, Kelsey Evans, 13, and Kelsey Smith, 14, worked on a panel they called “How does AMD (acid mine damage) affect the environment?” during the class period.

“It’s a big impact on life,” Evans said, looking over the shoulder of Smith as she did design work.

Rivera said the three girls broke down what needed to be on the sign.

“We have the opportunity to impact all of the things affected by AMD,” Smith said.

When Meehan looked at the group project of Chad Regan, Jennifer Patron, both 13, Emily Hughes, Alex Mykulyn and Emily Colleran, all 14, he commented about the lack of words.

“That was our plan,” Hughes laughed.

Regan said the students took notes at different spots they visited with EPCAMR — Askam’s “Wayside Exhibit” in Hanover Township, Espy Run tributary in Nanticoke, Solomon Creek boreholes in Hanover Township.

“We get to share the knowledge,” Colleran said.

Meehan said the goal is to have everything completed by the end of the week, and Hughes can return to class and have a discussion on what information the signs should contain.

“We’re going to put all the elements together (so no group feels left out),” Hughes said.

Kelsey Smith, Kelsey Evans and Hailey Rivera get advice from Elizabeth Hughes, director of communications for Earth Conservancy, on a project the class is doing to create signs for the Askam Borehole in Hanover Township.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_TTL0501716boreholeupdate1-2.jpgKelsey Smith, Kelsey Evans and Hailey Rivera get advice from Elizabeth Hughes, director of communications for Earth Conservancy, on a project the class is doing to create signs for the Askam Borehole in Hanover Township. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Elizabeth Hughes helps students Emily Hughes, Alex Mykulyn and Emily Colleran while Jared Meehan, seventh and eighth-grade science teacher, at Soloman Plains Junior high school observes.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_TTL0501716boreholeupdate2-2.jpgElizabeth Hughes helps students Emily Hughes, Alex Mykulyn and Emily Colleran while Jared Meehan, seventh and eighth-grade science teacher, at Soloman Plains Junior high school observes. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Gianna Valenti, Morgan Gayton and Gracie Dombroski work with Meredith Falchek, a seventh and eighth-grade science teacher, as they place together their sign mock up at Soloman Plains Junior High School.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_TTL0501716boreholeupdate3-2.jpgGianna Valenti, Morgan Gayton and Gracie Dombroski work with Meredith Falchek, a seventh and eighth-grade science teacher, as they place together their sign mock up at Soloman Plains Junior High School. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader