A hidden treasure overgrown by weeds, cattails and trees is being rejuvenated through the Project-Based Learning program at Carroll County High School.
A small pond, approximately one-half to three-quarter of an acre, is nestled behind the CCHS baseball field. A group of students in the PBL pilot program saw this gem in the rough and decided to tackle cleaning it up as their project. They also propose to build a platform for fishing and, at some point, a gazebo on the platform.
The students were trained on how to use weed eaters, trimmers and other equipment before they were allowed to begin work. PBL Advisor Jeff Fremin said this is one project that may be done in phases because it’s a large one. “They have their work cut out for them,” he said.
Zayn Satchwell, a senior on the team, added that many people don’t even know the pond exists because it’s so overgrown. “This could be used for something and have more potential,” he added. “Anybody can come fish and have a place that’s clean. We also want to clean it up so it makes the baseball field look better.”
A couple of boys on this project are also members of the bass fishing team and would like to use the pond for practicing. They’ve caught a few largemouth bass in there, but not many.
Forest Wynne, State Extension Specialist for Aquaculture based at Kentucky State University, came to speak to the students who are working on the pond recently. He is an aquaculture specialist who assists the extension agents throughout the state. He showed students how to test the water quality and gave them some pointers on making it a successful fishing pond. Cody Human, a water quality specialist at NAS, is also helping the students test the water.
“What you have out there is really in pretty good shape,” Wynne said. “It’s an unused resource to have this pond on your property.”
Not only does the team have to cut down weeds, small trees and build a platform, but it may need to alter the borders of the pond a little. The section closest to the baseball field is prime fishing real estate, but it’s also the hardest to reach and the most narrow. They’re still figuring out how to widen the bank in that area, but they have a few ideas.
Ross Crawford, a senior and member of the bass fishing team, said the group is also considering building a walking trail around the pond. The furthest end of the pond has a stream running nearby and is pretty swampy so it might be challenging to engineer a suitable walkway.
Ross noted their original plan was to build docks into the water for fishing, but that was denied due to safety reasons. So, they had to regroup and revise their plan.
These real-life experiences are teaching students leadership skills and hands-on experience at the same time, Fremin said. “It’s all leadership. You won’t learn to be a leader if you don’t get to do the work,” he said.
All PBL students in the pilot are taught by Kevin States and Joseph Creager. They teach English and math, which are put into practice through the PBL projects.
“CCHS has several of these project-based learning experiences for our students,” said Carroll County Schools Superintendent Casey Jaynes. “PBL helps prepare our students for the workforce by collaboration efforts with local agencies and businesses.”
The members of the PBL pond teams are Reagan Miller, Ross Crawford, Ryan Tharp, Arron Wallace, Elijah Dalton, Gage Abrams, Logan Baxter, Aden Stephenson, Jaslyn Walker, Zayn Satchwell, Sydney Singer, Brannon Battaglia, Jeffrey Lageman, Emily Arvin, Dylan Williams, Dylan Brock and Mikey Sewell.