“This awe inspiring and uplifting documentary demonstrates that one charitable act of compassion can make a difference. In this video 4th grade elementary students take part in a science question that leads to an experiment that saves the habitat for an endangered species known as the California Fresh Water Shrimp. Their journey to save and restore local creek-side habitat developed into a great significance for the community, the teacher and the students. This documentary is a true testament to the fact that every person, young or old, and with the help of others can work in a positive and constructive manner to become good stewards of the environment in an effort to create a better tomorrow. Advocacy, knowledge, passion, and hard work made a change in this neighborhood; perhaps it can make a difference in yours. This title is highly recommended and a must for all teachers who are thinking about organizing a project with students and the community. The video is not preachy or condescending, just matter of fact. The audio and sound qualities are excellent”. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
— From EDUCATIONAL MEDIA REVIEWS ONLINE, July, 2010; Reviewer: Hope Marie Cook, Curriculum Center Librarian, Eastern Connecticut State University
“In 1992, after Laurette Rogers’ fourth grade class watched a film on endangered species, a student asked, “What can we do to help save the endangered animals?” This simple question led to the formation of STRAW (Students and Teachers Restoring a Watershed) and a classroom project in which the kids helped restore a creek-side habitat to help save the California freshwater shrimp population. Featuring current and archival (1992) footage and interviews with past and present students, teachers, and environmentalists, this inspiring program showcases the classroom efforts in which students planted trees and shore up creed beds to help stop erosion. The kids (many of whom are seen in the 1992 footage and in current interviews) learned to work together and talk to local and political leaders about the importance of helping the environment. Peter Coyote’s soothing narration ties together the information and footage. STRAW continues today and now sponsors an annual workshop that teaches educators how to carry on similar projects in their own schools and communities. A welcome addition to school and public libraries, this well produced, tightly edited program is just the thing for spurring similar hands–on activities and for encouraging kids to get involved.” STARRED REVIEW
— From American Library Association’s “Booklist,” June 1, 2010 edition; Reviewer: Debra McLeod
A Simple Question: The Story of STRAW ***
In 1992, after her fourth-graders had watched a film on endangered species, one of Laurette Rogers’ students asked a simple question: “What can we do?” Rogers helped the class “adopt” one of the threatened species, the California freshwater shrimp, and their work evolved into STRAW (Students and Teachers Restoring a Watershed), which continues to operate today under the auspices of the Bay Institute in Novato, CA. Since the organization’s inception, the effort has involved 700 teachers and 20,000 students, working in partnership with ranchers, scientists, and government agencies. As a result of their commitment, 20 miles of formerly barren stream bank have been planted with 31,000 trees and shrubs, while the bird census has expanded from five species to 28. And perhaps most important, the original “adoptees”-the shrimp-are now found in new stretches of the watershed. Filmmakers David Donnenfield and Kevin White interweave scenes filmed when the project initially began with interviews of both current students and the adults who were in that first class, including the 9-year-old who asked the original question. DVD extras include extended conversations with ecologists and authors. A well-crafted and inspiring example of young people developing both eco-awareness and leadership skills, this is recommended. Aud: I, J, H, C, P. (F. Gardner)
— From Video Librarian, July, 2010