For his Eagle Scout project, Jake Bibbo created outdoor science activities for students at Fouse Elementary School, including a Human Shadow Clock and an Observation Garden (right).
Jake Bibbo is a senior at Westerville Central High School who decided to pay it forward as well as pay it back. As part of his Eagle Scout project, Bibbo went back to his elementary school to see what he could do to benefit students at Fouse. In the spring of 2017, he met with his former fifth grade math and science teacher, Betsy Denney, to brainstorm possible projects. His love of the outdoors led him to two different proposals. He met with Principal Robb Stranges to finalize the details.
Bibbo then worked with various organizations for guidance and permission, including the Fouse PTO, Westerville Schools, Genoa Township, and Ohio Utilities Protection Service. He received material donations from Scholl’s Landscape & Design and bought various other supplies. After recruiting volunteers to help, he worked over the summer to install an Observation Garden and a Human Shadow Clock on the Fouse Elementary playground.
On Monday afternoon, September 9, Bibbo was able to see his project in action. Fifth grade students documented their first observations in the 10 small gardens, where he had planted bulbs and seeds. Pupils will be able to compare how they look in the fall with gardens that will bloom in the spring. He then demonstrated how to use one’s body to create a shadow on the Human Shadow Clock.
Bibbo definitely paid it back by giving his former teacher tools that can be used for science. He is also paying it forward to all of the students who will understand science better because of his stellar efforts.