2024 Furr High School’s Citizen Science Project: Engaging Students in Real-World Environmental Research

At Furr High School, we believe that education extends beyond textbooks and classrooms—it thrives in the real world, where students engage with their communities and contribute to meaningful change. In collaboration with Texas A&M University’s School of Public Health (SPH), Texas A&M Superfund Research Center and the U.S. Green Building Council, we introduced the Green Assessment Citizen Science Project—an initiative designed to train students through hands-on environmental research and public health, specifically engaging seniors in the Natural Resources vocational career pathway.

This National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)-funded program gave students an opportunity to participate in real-world environmental research while learning critical skills in data collection, public health analysis, and community engagement. By studying local environmental challenges, students gained a deeper understanding of how air, soil, and green spaces impact public health.

Why This Mattered: Environmental and Public Health Concerns

Over the past two decades, researchers have highlighted the importance of urban green spaces for physical and mental well-being. Green spaces help reduce stress, promote physical activity, and improve air quality, yet many communities lack well-maintained parks or face exposure to environmental pollutants (Wolch et al., 2014).

Recognizing the need to preserve and expand green spaces, the Houston City Council approved the Nature Preserve Ordinance in 2022, protecting 7,423 acres of natural habitat in Houston parks (City of Houston, 2024). This policy reinforced the value of environmental conservation and public health, making the work of Furr High School students in the Green Assessment Citizen Science Project even more relevant.

Through this initiative, students assessed the quality of parks, measured air quality, and tested soil for pollutants, contributing data that could help improve environmental conditions in their communities.

“This project gave our students a hands-on opportunity to understand environmental and public health issues in ways they never had before. They weren’t just learning about pollution—they were testing soil, analyzing air quality, and making connections between environmental conditions and community health.” — Juan Elizondo, Natural Resources Vocational Educator and Department Chair at Furr High School

Three Tracks for Student Participation

The Green Assessment Citizen Science Project allowed students to engage in three specialized focuses, each designed to equip them with research skills while addressing key environmental and public health concerns:

1. Soil Sampling: Investigating Pollution in Houston

Students were trained in Soil Sampling Operating Procedures developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They collected and analyzed soil samples from Clinton Park, an area historically impacted by industrial pollution. Samples were tested at Texas A&M’s SPH laboratory to determine the presence of harmful pollutants and their potential impact on human health.

2. Air Monitoring: Understanding Air Pollution’s Impact

Air pollution is a significant public health risk, particularly in industrial cities like Houston. Students in this track learned how to measure air quality using air monitors, which tracked real-time pollutant exposure in different locations. By analyzing this data, students gained insights into how air quality varied across different environments and what that meant for respiratory and overall health.

3. Public Park Assessment: Evaluating Community Green Spaces

Students assessed the quality of local parks using the Community Park Audit Tool (endorsed by Texas A&M University). Furr High School students partnered with Texas A&M researchers to evaluate two local parks, Herman Brown Park and Clinton Park, examining factors such as safety, accessibility, and environmental quality. The findings from this study were discussed and used for applicable decision-making and improvements that could help better public health outcomes. 

Shaping the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders

This semester-long program combined classroom instruction with field-based learning, giving students the opportunity to engage in real-world research. Participants worked closely with Texas A&M faculty and researchers, gaining valuable experience in environmental science, public health studies, and data analysis.

Throughout the semester, students engaged in four key visits, each designed to deepen their understanding of environmental science and public health research methodologies.

📌 Visit 1: Introduction – Why is Public Health Important?

Led by Dr. Sansom and Texas A&M researchers, this session introduced students to public health concerns, environmental risks, and research methodologies.

📌 Visit 2: Harmony in Nature – The Role of Green Spaces

Discussion on conservation, biodiversity, and their impact on human health Activity: Community Park Audit Tool – Park 1 Assessment Herman Brown Park

📌 Visit 3: Research for Our Health – Data Collection & Sampling

Training on proper sampling protocols for air, water, and soil research

Activity: Community Park Audit Tool – Park 2 Assessment Clinton Park

📌 Visit 4: Our Findings – Turning Research into Action

Review of data collected from parks, soil samples, and air monitors

Discussion: Public health concerns and policy recommendations

The Green Assessment Citizen Science Project at Furr High School was more than just a research initiative—it was an opportunity for students to develop real-world scientific skills and contribute to efforts that could improve environmental and public health in their own neighborhoods.

🌍 Through their work, students:

✅ Engaged in real-world science that contributed to community health discussions

✅ Developed career-ready skills in public health, environmental science, and data analysis

✅ Made a lasting impact by advocating for healthier, greener communities

✅Gained mentorship, and visited Texas A&M University meeting professors and students 

A Lasting Partnership for a Healthier Future

For over eight years, Furr High School has fostered this transformative partnership with Texas A&M University’s School of Public Health, empowering students to become environmental stewards and public health advocates. The Green Assessment Citizen Science Project has not only provided students with hands-on research experience but has also instilled in them the confidence to engage with real-world challenges and drive meaningful change in their communities.

This initiative goes beyond education—it’s about action, access to higher education, and fostering a new generation of leaders who understand the deep connection between environmental sustainability and public health. Through their work, students are not just learning science; they are shaping the future of Houston’s green spaces, influencing policy, and building healthier communities for generations to come.

As we continue this partnership, we remain committed to expanding opportunities for students to engage in impactful research, develop career-ready skills, and make a difference. The lessons learned here—about resilience, collaboration, and environmental responsibility—will stay with them long after graduation, ensuring that the seeds of change they’ve planted today will continue to grow into a greener, healthier tomorrow.