2nd Grade Environmental instruction
Insectary
A significant part of the 2nd grade science curriculum is the study of insects. Our ability to make real world connections for this unit of study was limited by the nature of our schoolyard habitat. The schoolyard habitat included Monarch Nurseries, the Bay-Wise Butterfly Garden, the Vernal Pool, and large grassy banks. Although we were able to observe insects in all of those microhabitats, we wanted a location near the second grade classrooms that would attract insects. In order to provide a more diverse habitat and attract more insects for study we planted an insectary.
2nd grade teachers did the long range planning before introducing the unit to the children.
timeline_for_insectary.docx | |
File Size: | 17 kb |
File Type: | docx |
insect_garden_scope_and_sequence.doc | |
File Size: | 28 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Stage 1
Students observed and collected data on shade and sun exposure in the schoolyard. Based on this data we determined the location of the garden.
data_collection_sun_or_shade.docx | |
File Size: | 25 kb |
File Type: | docx |
2nd_grade_room_criteria_data_collection_form.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |
garden_map.xls | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
File Type: | xls |
Stage 2
Site preparation began after determining the best location for the garden. In addition we used our sun and shade data to pick plants for our garden. We also considered what plants would be native to our area and what insects the plants would attract. Students worked in pairs to research and select plants. Pairs presented their choices to their classes and final decisions were made.
This PowerPoint was used for the students to research plants.
Students used the following chart to help organize data and select plants.
plant_criteria_chart.docx | |
File Size: | 19 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Stage 3
After selecting plants classes worked together to prepare the garden for planting. Soil was trucked in and spread. Our district's outdoor school delivered plants from their nursery.
STAGE 4
Classes were responsible for maintaining their own section of the garden. Students also volunteered to perform maintenance on the garden in the summer months.
Stage 5
Bug Hotels!
Mrs. Lazarus’ 2nd grade class learned about the hibernation habits of some insects. They went on a walk around our school grounds to collect pinecones, leaves and sticks. Using recycled wood, a volunteer built boxes for us and we stuffed them nice and tight for our insectary bugs to live in throughout the cold winter.
Mrs. Lazarus’ 2nd grade class learned about the hibernation habits of some insects. They went on a walk around our school grounds to collect pinecones, leaves and sticks. Using recycled wood, a volunteer built boxes for us and we stuffed them nice and tight for our insectary bugs to live in throughout the cold winter.
insect project - recycled materials
In the past, after becoming an insect expert, second grade students built a model of their insect at home. This year second grade teachers, in an attempt to make the project "green", asked families to collect recyclable supplies over winter break. Students brought in wrapping paper rolls, shoe boxes, twisty ties, and packing peanuts to name a few.
Second graders gather supplies.
Hard at work on insect models!
The finished product!
Green school newsletter
Second graders interviewed teachers to gather information for our Green Newsletter. Instead of copying the news, we posted it to the school website.
School recycling
lunch_recycling_poster.doc | |
File Size: | 46 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Fountain rock field trip
In June, the second grade classes took a field trip to the Fountain Rock Nature Center in Frederick, Maryland. The field trip covered the life cycles of plants, amphibians, mammals, birds, with a focus on insects found in our native habitats.
We learned how animals and plants use natural resources and can change their environment. We had time to enjoy the great outdoors and see many animals. We learned about the environmental impact of cutting down trees and polluting
water.
We learned how animals and plants use natural resources and can change their environment. We had time to enjoy the great outdoors and see many animals. We learned about the environmental impact of cutting down trees and polluting
water.
WPAR P.R.I.D.E. News
The Green Team Student Representatives are the Green News anchors on our weekly news program. Students report on green news from our school, community, nation, or the world. In the second half of the year they research and write scripts as well as report the news.
The Green Team Student Representatives are the Green News anchors on our weekly news program. Students report on green news from our school, community, nation, or the world. In the second half of the year they research and write scripts as well as report the news.
The Second Grade Musical
In the spring of 2013 the second grade presented the musical "Every Day Is Earth Day." The theme included the concepts of reduce, reuse, recycle, along with taking personal responsibility for our planet.
In the spring of 2013 the second grade presented the musical "Every Day Is Earth Day." The theme included the concepts of reduce, reuse, recycle, along with taking personal responsibility for our planet.