Champion teacher recognized by EPA
Gets award for outdoor learning lab
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CHAMPION -- A Champion Middle School science teacher who has created an outdoor learning land lab at the school complex has been recognized for his efforts with a special U.S. Environmental Protection Agency award.
David Murduck, fifth-grade science teacher in Champion since 2001, was presented the 2020 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators on Wednesday at a ceremony held at the outdoor learning area.
Murduck, who was among the top four finalists last year running for 2019 Ohio Teacher of the Year, said "as a science teacher teaching students about the environment it is an honor to be recognized and receive this award from the EPA. It is important that students understand the importance of having a positive effect on the environment."
He said a highlight of his career was getting to spend a week in 2014 on an EPA research ship, The Lake Guardian, and working with EPA research scientists and 14 other teachers on Lake Erie.
"It's ironic that event kickstarted all of this. I was able to get grant money to get the students to go to Cuyahoga Valley National Park to learn about invasive species," he said.
Murduck said $60,000 was raised at the schools in five years for science programs. He has been able to bring in speakers from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and NASA and also have an after-school science club.
Kurt Thiede, regional administrator for the EPA Region 5, presented the award praising Murduck and Champion schools for what they do for students.
"This outdoor area provides an ideal place for students to learn and have a better understanding of the care for their surroundings," Thiede said.
He said the award recognizes all Murduck has done to incorporate environmental learning opportunities in his curriculum.
"These opportunities provide real-life learning for the students. He is showing how they will learn the lessons today in their daily lives. They are learning about recycling and the importance of wetlands and water quality. He has made learning fun and engaging for his students and approaches his job with passion," Thiede said.
The award recognizes individuals for their exemplary efforts for environmental education in a classroom setting.
The land lab was created two years ago when the new PK-8 School opened.
"We will use this for outdoor learning. Elementary students will be able to take field trips here. This property abuts the township land. I have had many people and groups from the local community ask if they can help. There is a lot still to come when we begin using it," Murduck said.
The land lab already has birdhouses for swallows, bluebirds, purple martins and large houses for chimney swifts. Students planted various flowering native plant species at the site.
Murduck said there are plans for the learning area, including adding a partially enclosed pavilion and a handicapped-accessible trail.
"In seven more years when I retire, I want this to be a place as a model for other communities to come and see," Murduck said.
Champion Middle School Principal Heather Campbell said the property is a catch water basin, which Murduck was able to turn into "an environmental showpiece" with many native pollinating plants.
Champion Superintendent John Grabowski said what Murduck has done is create an opportunity for environmental learning.
"He finds the time to do all this and take students on trips and take people on nature hikes around the community. Mr. Murduck is truly our champion of the environment," Grabowski said.