Climate Justice at Madison West

A Place Of Regenerative Education And Agriculture.

Timeline For Class

Radio Apprentices

  • Nia

    Hi! My name is Nia Shadrach-Rudels and I’m a sophomore at West High School. I joined the IPOS radio apprenticeship because it was a great opportunity to learn more about sound design and engineering which is something I love. In my free time, I like to dance with Kanopy Dance, draw, and read.

  • Hadley

  • Chloe

    Chloe is a freshman at West High School. She is interested in being a part of this project because she enjoys being able to make a difference in the community. In her free time, she does figure skating, helps with the West theater program, and plays the cello. She also is interested in reptiles and enjoys baking and listening to music.

Urban Agriculture Apprentices

  • Claire Lesnjak

    My name is Claire Lesnjak, and I am a senior at Madison West High School. Some of my favorite things to do outside of school are traveling, cooking, listening to podcasts, and going running outside. I was drawn to this opportunity because I wanted to find a way to make an impact in my community during my senior year. I think that sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty are critical for preserving the land, battling climate change, and creating a better future for everyone.

  • Chris Wu

    Hi! My name is Chris and I am a senior at Madison West High School. I took up an apprenticeship with IPOS because I am interested in conducting research on sustainability-related topics. In addition to IPOS, I am heavily involved with the Science Olympiad team as a 4x varsity competitor, a national medalist, and a coach for 4 events. I also run cross country and track and am a dedicated classical pianist. After high school, I will be attending Duke University and pursuing majors in mechanical engineering, environmental science, and physics, a minor in mathematics, and a certificate in energy & environment.

  • Alison Selje

  • Pranab Adhikari

    My name is Pranab Adhikari and I am in the 12th grade. I am interested in being an intern in this program because I deeply care about the environment. I believe that we must combat global warming while we still can, and I want to do anything that I can in order to improve our environment. Outside of school, I enjoy watching Netflix and playing sports such as basketball and soccer.

Videography Team

  • Aidan Dresang

    INTERN

    Aidan Dresang is a learning videographer and senior at Memorial High School. Currently, he is documenting IPOS’s process of making a class at West High school. In his free time, he enjoys film photography, hiking, and listening to music. He hopes to study history and documentary studies in college.

  • Hosanna Tekle

    APPRENTICE

    My name is Hosanna Tekle and I am currently a sophomore at West High School. I am interested in this filming opportunity because I believe that media and films have a powerful impact on us. I am very passionate about the topics of social justice, climate change, and environmentalism and believe that videography is a great way to showcase the issues going on in our world. Outside of my interest in videography and film studies, I do many extracurricular activities. Some of these activities include violin, dance, and martial arts. My favorite among that group would be the violin. I have been a violinist for most of my life and enjoy being able to bring happiness and joy to others through music.

  • Anna Pedretti

    APPRENTICE

    My name is Anna Pedretti, I’m a sophomore, I like to act, play piano, and paint outside of school. I'm interested in this program because it's centered around two of the things I'm most passionate about, Film and Social Justice. I have been making movies since I was six and haven't stopped since. I hope to study filmmaking and directing in college and use that to make films that inspire people to fight for what they believe in. I'm a very active participant when it comes to Social Justice issues, from Gay and Trans Rights, Palestinian Liberation, Climate Justice, pro-choice movements, to most recently protesting in support of Ukraine. Being able to use my knowledge of film to help shed light on Social Justice issues is something I love to do. This program would give me the place to not only work doing the things I'm passionate about but would also allow me to build connections with local Madison film students and learn new skills.

 

Science

This year we will be focusing on answering the question of which soil amendments (ex: biochar) best sequesters carbon and what the benefits of community gardens are on soil, in partnership with the Dane County Ag Policy and Practices workgroup (DCAPP).

We will be comparing lawn soil with soil from 3 Town of Madison community gardens per recommendation from UW Soil and Plant Lab. As well as what the impacts of biochar (a soil amendment) are. While also engaging a wider audience with this experiment, to expand public understanding of agriculture’s relationship to climate change. Additional benefits of creating knowledge, generating discussion, fostering relationships. 

Community gardens are natural carbon sinks, it is proven that they sequester carbon at a much higher rate than the average lawn, however, we want to know how much, what soil amendments change that rate, and how this can be easily implemented into local community gardens.

This Project will be led by 2 apprentices working with local research and community mentors as well as involving this year’s independent study class of spring 2022 to assist with research and soil sampling.

 

English

This year our independent study class will be reading excerpts and case studies from the following books as well as working with community volunteers to gain the skills of writing personal narratives, radio scripts, ads, and articles for our newsletter.

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