Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 explored the wetland in our outdoor classroom this week, equipped with back packs full of science tools. Grade 3 students were invited to make a list of all the living and non-living things they could find in this environment. Grade 4 students were challenged to identify as many plant and animal species as they could, using their trusty field guides. Grade 5 students were challenged to find two similar species then compare and contrast their traits. Here, students measure the length of a cattail and discover tiny seeds inside that blow away in the wind. ("Look! It's just like a dandelion!")
Most students were interested in catching insects. One student group collected a record six species in under 10 minutes! His species list included a spider, worm, snail, earwig, pill bug, and beetle. Other student groups compared two species of grasshopper and a cricket. But my personal favorite was when a student shouted, "Teacher! My pill bug is giving birth!" Sure enough. He had caught a pill bug in his jar, and crawling out of its belly were dozens of pale, baby pill bugs. It was incredible!
Most students were interested in catching insects. One student group collected a record six species in under 10 minutes! His species list included a spider, worm, snail, earwig, pill bug, and beetle. Other student groups compared two species of grasshopper and a cricket. But my personal favorite was when a student shouted, "Teacher! My pill bug is giving birth!" Sure enough. He had caught a pill bug in his jar, and crawling out of its belly were dozens of pale, baby pill bugs. It was incredible!
At the end of our exploration of the wetland, students gathered in small groups to create their list of living vs. non-living things (grade 3), species list (grade 4), or traits list (grade 5). Which organisms are specially adapted for life in a wetland? Could any of these organisms also survive outside the wetland? Why or why not? We will keep thinking!