Recently, four Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science students attended the Teen Conservation Summit held at the Detroit Zoo. 

The four seniors - Evan Kelley, Mike Kosanke, Matthew Robinson, and Michael Voronenko - had the opportunity to connect with experts in conservation and sustainability and collaborate with their peers from across Michigan. 

The team of four have decided to develop a pollinator garden in the 600 wing courtyard.

Staff members from the Detroit Zoo will meet with the students on Zoom to brainstorm ideas, and then work with them to develop their plan.

Evan said the group is looking to build the garden in the Spring of 2026. 

The students will then attend another Teen Conservation Summit at the Detroit Zoo on April 18, 2026, and present their work with a panel discussion or a poster presentation. 

Science teacher Mrs. Mary Balamucki said, “This project fits in beautifully with the AP Environmental Science curriculum expectations set by the College Board (see more information below). 

She added, “This is a labor of love. This garden will really bring some beauty and some environmental awareness to our students. It will help them think about these ‘critters’ in a different way.” 

DLS Vice Principal for Academics Mrs. Annmarie Michol said, “The AP Environmental Science class is thriving under Mrs. Balamucki who brings creativity and hands'-on learning to every lesson. Through project-based assignments and engaging experiments, students are not only mastering the material but also connecting classroom concepts to real-world environmental challenges. Her approach fosters all of the 21st Century Learning Goals.”

The 21st Century Learning Goals 

The 21st Century Learning Goals focus on skills beyond basic content, and emphasize Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration. 

“These skills  are all things you do in the workplace,” Balamucki said. 

The College Board Science Practices for Environmental Science are

• Explain environmental concepts, processes, and models presented in written format.
• Analyze visual representations of environmental concepts and processes
• Analyze sources of information about environmental issues.
• Analyze research studies that test environmental principles.
• Analyze and interpret quantitative data represented in tables, charts and graphs.
• Apply quantitative methods to address environmental concepts.
• Propose and justify solutions to environmental problems. 

AP Environmental Science Course Overview

This is an interdisciplinary course in which students relate and apply principles and skills from physical, earth, and biological sciences, along with certain concepts from social studies, to understand environmental problems.  

Students will complete class work and conduct laboratory and field work using scientific methods, critical thinking, decision-making and problem solving techniques to study processes and topics that include:  interaction of biotic and abiotic factors in ecosystems; conservation; natural resources and cycles; energy sources and energy flow in ecosystems; the major biomes and their typical plant and animal life forms (including those common locally and regionally); human responsibilities and population dynamics.