A group of fourth and fifth graders from Wass and Hill Elementary Schools have traded in their backpacks for blueprints. Assisted by MSU Associate Professor Michael Wagner, an expert on aquatic invasive species, the team has designed a buoy to help protect the Great Lakes from a long-standing threat to the region’s ecosystem: the sea lamprey.

What are PFAS compounds? According to the State of Michigan, PFAS “are a large group of manmade chemicals that are resistant to heat, water and oil,” which have “been used in many industrial applications and consumer products such as carpeting, waterproof clothing, upholstery, food paper wrappings, personal care products, fire-fighting foams and metal plating.”