LCS Annual Water Project

At LCS, each classroom takes part in Formational Learning Experiences (FLEX), where students use real work to meet the real needs of real people. LCS sophomore students are currently taking part in the annual LCS Water Project, a FLEX of the LCS biology class.

Written by LCS biology teacher Ms. Joos and the LCS Class of 2026
The LCS sophomores have been learning about water quality in the context of studying course content all semester in their biology courses. During their ecology unit in October, they headed out to Sycamore Creek with members of the EcoGreen Program (from Woldumar Nature Center and General Motors) to run various chemical tests as well as survey the macroinvertebrates living in the creek. The data collected is part of an ongoing study of the health of Sycamore Creek. One of the tests that was performed measured the amount of coliform bacteria in the creek. Students learned that even when the water looks clean, there can be microorganisms living in it that can make it unsafe to drink.

In November of 2023, the students spoke with with Chad McDaniels from World Vision through a Zoom call.  He shared about the hardships faced by people who lack access to a clean water source.  Many women and children are not able to work or attend school because they are walking to fetch water. Half of the children without access to clean water will die from water-borne illnesses before the age of five. World Vision is seeking to develop sustainable solutions. (In the spring of 2023, World Vision celebrated the completion of their goal to provide clean water to every community they serve in the country of Rwanda.) Their goal is that by 2030, everyone in the world would have access to clean water and sanitation.

The LCS biology classes did a water audit to determine how much water they used in a given day.  For many, it was well over 100 gallons.  They discussed how often they take access to clean water for granted (there are eight sinks in the biology classroom alone!).  Then, they each took turns carrying around a 1 gallon water jug (less than 1% of their water use in a day) to raise awareness of the need for clean water around the world. 

Watch the Class of 2026 Water Project Info Video

Directly after this, the sophomores launched the 14th Annual Water Project.  In their English classes, they created flyers, posters, a video, and more to raise awareness of the need and to invite the community to help be part of the solution!  Students are now collecting cans and loose change, as well as selling baked goods, t-shirts/sweatshirts, and craft items at middle and high school lunches now until Christmas break. 

The students share, “We are taking part in the Water Project, not just because there is a problem, but because we want to be a part of the solution. This is something we do because someone saw a need in the world, and we, Lansing Christian, saw a way to help find a solution. Hebrews 13:16 states, ‘Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.’ We have the amazing opportunity to go to a Christian school and an even bigger opportunity to be able to help those in need.”

Hope

In this season where we celebrate the weary world rejoicing at the coming of its Savior, the LCS biology students are working to bring a bit of hope to a weary world.  Every day, people in our world wake with the need to walk for miles to collect water to use throughout the day.  Often this water is contaminated with microorganisms that can make them and their children sick. It is the only option they have and the only life they know. They have little reason to hope that their circumstances may change. They don’t know that on the other side of the world there is a group of sophomore students learning about their circumstances and choosing to partner with others to bring clean water and sanitation to them!  So many of us have situations in our lives that feel hopeless and forgotten by the Lord.  But just like with the unassuming birth of our Savior on that Christmas long ago, our God is in the business of bringing hope to the hopeless in ways we least expect.  Through the LCS Water Project, LCS sophomores are partnering with Him to love His people through the gift of hope this Christmas season.

Follow the progress of each class or get your own student-designed Water Project shirt or sweatshirt (orders close December 20, 2023) at the links below.