By Lisa Carolin
Some students just can’t spend enough time learning about life sciences.
Such is the case with the students who participate in the Chelsea High School Biology Club, which began during the 2015-2016 school year.
It is still going strong with 12 members representing every grade level at the high school. CHS teacher Holly Reiser is the club’s advisor. She teaches Biology 1, Chemistry 1, and Advanced Placement Biology, which covers college level biology content.
“I love seeing students excited about science and helping them find opportunities to explore life science topics outside of the classroom,” said Reiser.
During its first year, the Bio Club, as it is called, created a raised flower bed with the goal of planting perennial flowers to attract pollinators. Last year, they planted milk weed seed as well as perennial bulbs. They also built bluebird boxes as nest sites for Eastern bluebirds.
“Last year the club decided to prioritize goals that would get the school certified as a ‘Michigan Green School’” said Reiser, who says she is proud that they were able to accomplish that goal.
The Bio Club sometimes hosts speakers such as a representative from Robin Hills Farm, who spoke about sustainability. Many of the club’s members were involved in planting the Alumni Arbor at the high school.
“This year we are planning to adopt an endangered species and are taking a visit to the Columbia Animal Clinic in Brooklyn, Michigan,” said Reiser. “We’ll have a guest speaker in April to discuss an ongoing water quality project in Chelsea as well as possible summer internship opportunities for students.”
The club may also plan an Earth Day celebration. Reiser says the students are interested in ecological topics as well as health sciences. They meet bi-weekly and the only requirement to be a member of the Bio Club is to have a passion for life science.
“I think it fosters life-long learning and gives them ideas of how to utilize science in their everyday lives,” said Reiser. “I hope some of the guest speakers and job visits we do may show students there are career opportunities in science fields that might be worth pursuing.”
