2nd Grade
Decomposition of Pumpkins - In the Fall of 2013, students read From Seed to Pumpkin. The students then completed the "Know" and "Wants to Know" portion of a KWL chart involving decomposition. The reading was followed by a discussion about what happens to living things when they decompose and the recycling of nutrients. The class filled hollowed-out pumpkins left over from Halloween with soil and “planted” pumpkin seeds inside. The pumpkin was then placed in the courtyard garden to decompose. Students continued to observe the pumpkins, and in the Spring they will observe whether the pumpkin seeds have germinated to create a pumpkin patch in the upcoming Fall.
Life Cycle of Frogs - 2nd grade teacher Kate Jaudon has turned what would ordinarily be an indoor science lesson into an outdoor challenge in which students practice math skills. After learning about the life cycle and ecology of frogs, students make origami frogs. Outside in the garden, students have competitions to see whose frog can hop the greatest distance. After several trials and the proper measurements, students calculate the winner.
Ansel Adams - Capturing Nature through Photography- In January of 2013, A parent volunteer introduced students to the artwork of Ansel Adams. After a long discussion about his inspiration and love of the outdoors and the environment, students ventured outdoors to capture their own images. Students were given a camera and assigned the task of creating their own photograph featuring an interesting and different view of a nature. They followed up the activity with a journal entry.
Budding Botanist- As part of the budding botanist unit, classes in second grade raise plants from seed. One class grows bean seeds on damp paper in different levels of light and then dissected the seed to examine the different parts. Another class grew vegetables from seed in the classroom and then transplanted them into a raised bed in the courtyard. A third class collected acorns from a white oak tree on the school property and planted them in recycled milk cartons to create a 'tree nursery' in the courtyard.