A recent CIRCLE Seed Grant from MSU brought together a team of local K-12 teachers and KBS LTER researchers to develop a replicable schoolyard experiment. Scientific discovery is often associated with remote field sites or specialized laboratories, but it can also begin in familiar places - like schoolyards. At the KBS LTER site, researchers study ecosystems using a combination of observation, experiments, modeling, and synthesis. Equally important is how this work is conducted: through long-term collaboration. As 1 of 26 LTER Network sites across the country, KBS LTER scientists
MiSTRIPS program extends its impact beyond farm fields to classrooms and communities
Inspired by their time as Research Experience for Teachers program at the Kellogg Biological Station, two Michigan teachers are using schoolyard prairies as outdoor classrooms to engage students and provide hands-on experience with science. Now in its fifth year, MiSTRIPS has made a lasting impact that extends beyond the 11 participating farmers who have planted more than 50 acres of prairie strips. While the program’s core focus is demonstrating the benefits of integrating native prairie into agricultural systems, its influence reaches well beyond crops and soil health. MiSTRIPS has also
Creativity and curiosity: K-Woods students explore science and art at KBS
At the end of last October, the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station was thrilled to welcome Kensington Woods, or K-Wood, Schools back for a second year of field-based ecological exploration. K-Woods, a charter school in Livingston, Michigan, prides itself on its small, supportive community and its STEAM-focused approach that shows students how creativity and science go hand in hand. That same blend of creativity and scientific curiosity is central to our work at KBS, making this partnership the perfect match. This year, however, we had something new to look forward to: along with returning biology
MiSTRIPS program inspires local artists and strengthens community connections
Visiting artists and members of the KBS community have transformed the science of prairie strips into art that celebrates the beauty and resilience of agricultural landscapes. Rooted in sustainable agriculture and scientific discovery, MiSTRIPS has reached far beyond the original audience of farmers and agricultural conservation groups to cultivates creativity and community connection at KBS. While originally focused on increasing understanding and adoption of the conservation practice of prairie strips, MiSTRIPS now crosses disciplines and inspires artists to interpret the beauty and
Elizabeth Schultheis awarded fellowship to tackle science misconceptions
Dr. Elizabeth Schultheis, co-Founder of Data Nuggets and Education and Outreach Coordinator at the W. K. Kellogg Biological Station's Long Term Ecological Research Program, has been named a 2025 Sound Science Fellow by the National Center for Science Education (NCSE). This prestigious fellowship, aimed at advancing the teaching of evolution, climate change, and accurate scientific education, will provide six scholars with unique opportunities to engage in deep exploration and collaboration, building upon NCSE’s mission to ensure accurate and evidence-based science education in K-12 s
Graduate student joins Artist-in-Residence program through KBS Outreach Fellowship
Morgan Clark is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Janzen Lab at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station. She studies behavioral ecology, working to understand how individual animals exhibit consistent variation in behavior and how these behavior types may influence their interactions with one another and their environment. As a kid, I fell in love with art in an after-school program called “Bright Futures”. Each day after school, for a specific segment of the year, I would have the opportunity to learn about art across various media from local artists and instructors. I carried this with
Nurturing nature in Detroit: Students, gardens, and the power of outdoor learning
Introducing Emma Howland-Bolton (Ms. H-B), a 4th grade teacher from Detroit Public Schools and the K-12 Partnership’s Teacher in Residence (TIR) for summer 2025! True to her nature, Emma’s standard email signature is ‘stay dangerous’, she accepted the challenge with zeal and filled every moment with meaningful experiences! Read on to learn more about Emma’s TIR experience, which took place on June 17-26, 2025. During her residency, Emma was mentored by Kara Haas, the Kellogg Biological Station Long Term Ecological Research Program (KBS LTER) K-12 Partnership Coordinator. Emma and K
Kara Haas, KBS LTER K-12 Partnership Coordinator, wins MSU award for community engagement
Kara Haas, coordinator for the KBS LTER K-12 Partnership program, has been honored with an award from the Michigan State University Office of University Outreach and Engagement. The Graduate Student Award for Community Engagement Scholarship recognizes students for exemplary community-engaged scholarship during their years of graduate study. The award is given annually, to up to four students per year. Educators voice their support Among the statements of support for her nomination: “One of Kara’s greatest strengths is disseminating the scientific information gathered fro
Kellogg Biological Station’s K-12 Partnership Summer Institute to mark its 25th anniversary this month
Hickory Corners, Mich. — Teachers and informal educators of K-12 students are invited to engage in science teaching professional development this summer at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station. The 25th annual K-12 Partnership Summer Institute is set for 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, through Thursday, June 27. This year’s theme is “The Power of Long-term Partnerships.” About the Summer Institute Each day will start with a lecture from someone whose career has been impacted by their participation in the Partnership, includi
Melissa Frost, KBS LTER RET, named Michigan Department of Education’s Region 7 Teacher of the Year!
BUCHANAN, MI - Buchanan Community Schools proudly announces that Melissa Frost, esteemed educator and dedicated science teacher of Buchanan High School, has been honored as the Michigan Department of Education’s Region 7 Teacher of the Year for the academic year 2024-2025. The Teacher of the Year program, organized by the Michigan Department of Education, aims to recognize and celebrate outstanding educators who demonstrate exemplary dedication to their profession and make significant contributions to the field of education. Melissa Frost exemplifies these qualities through her u