Project: Allergenic Plants

Three sixth-grade classes from Netaim School participated in the project under the leadership of teacher Sharon Bachar. During the learning process, the students toured with Tali Tal and learned to identify several prominent allergenic plants in the school environment. They collected data regarding the timing and quantity of flowering of these plants around the school and in their residential areas and used an electronic reporting form.

Three groups—one from each class—continued with a more detailed inquiry project focusing on two of the species: Parietaria judaica and the olive tree (Olea europaea). The students sought to examine variables such as flowering quantity and stem length, and how these were influenced by soil moisture, light exposure, and soil density.

The students presented their inquiry projects to all students in the grade level, school teachers, and parents and grandparents who were able to attend the school during the morning hours. The presenting students were asked questions by the research team and by the audience, and at the conclusion of the event they received certificates of appreciation for their participation. The research team received gifts from the school carrying an environmental message.

Project partners included Tom Bialik and Tali Tal from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and the school’s Citizen Science Center team, Amram Eshel from Tel Aviv University, and Carmi Geller Bernstein from Sheba Medical Center. Professor Eshel is a scientist whose work includes monitoring the flowering of allergenic plants, and Dr. Geller Bernstein is a physician specializing in allergies and their treatment.