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Trash Island: A Garbage Patch Journey
Is there really a “trash island” in the North Pacific Ocean and if so, what is it made of and what can be done to stop it from growing? 
These are the questions Holcomb students are exploring in “Trash Island: A Garbage Patch Journey.” Twenty-five second through fourth grade students are participating in this exciting adventure through Club Invention at Holcomb Elementary.
Club Invention is the after school program that complements the summer program, Camp Invention. Fayetteville School District has successfully hosted Camp Invention for the past two summers. During the ten weekly sessions of Club Invention, students have the opportunity to learn science concepts disguised as hands-on fun. Through inquiry–based activities such as 
designing egg-marines, testing water quality and creating underwater investigation equipment, students discover important information about the earth’s oceans and the impact humans have on them. They also learn how to work in teams and problem solve. Holcomb Elementary teachers Ashley Jones and Christy Dugger guide this creative and innovative student learning experience.
Due to the success of this pilot program, more students across the district will have the opportunity to participate in Club Invention next semester, as several elementary schools will be starting their own club. 
Fayetteville School District will also host Camp Invention again in the summer of 2012. More information about these exciting opportunities in science for elementary students will be posted on schools’ websites in the near future!