A group of sixth graders at Friendswood Junior High are being recognized for their hands-on efforts to protect local wildlife and combat pollution—thanks to an innovative, student-led science project now on display at Lake Friendswood Park.
The project was part of a broader initiative funded by the National Academy of Sciences Grant and carried out in partnership with Artist Boat, a Galveston-based nonprofit that promotes coastal and environmental education through artistic and scientific exploration.
Under the guidance of science teacher Brittni Sosa, students participated in a series of workshops and field experiences, including a wetlands kayak trip, to explore real-world environmental issues. Their challenge: design a solution to a local ecological problem.
The result was 26 unique and impactful projects created by Ms. Sosa’s sixth-grade science classes. Among them were pollinator-friendly bat boxes, community food drives, and a standout project by students August Ford, Cash Studebaker, Blake Dion, Patrick Pike, Mason McDaniel, and Hunter Smith—a custom-built fishing line receptacle now installed at Lake Friendswood Park.
The receptacle was recognized by the city’s beautification committee, Keep Friendswood Beautiful, for its role in reducing microplastic pollution, safeguarding wildlife, and enhancing the experience for park visitors. In a social media post, the organization praised the students and Ms. Sosa for their environmental leadership and community impact.
Friendswood ISD celebrated the effort, calling the projects “impactful” and a powerful example of “real-world learning in action.”
