Bringing the Outdoors into our First Grade Classroom

Sabtu, 30 April 2016

Bringing the Outdoors into our First Grade Classroom

Organisms

How are living things different from non-living things? What are the similarities and differences between plants found in the forest? How are woodland plants and freshwater plants alike? How are they different? These are some of the questions that the children will be trying to answer during our Science times, as we begin our Science unit on Organisms.

Children have a natural curiosity about both animals and plants. In this Organism unit, the children will have many opportunities to observe and discover how plants and animals are alike and different, and to think about themselves as organisms too!

During this hands-on Science unit, your child will be observing and learning about a variety of living things such as snails, guppies, pill bugs, millipedes or best beetles, which will then be added to our classroom aquarium and terrarium. In addition, we will be growing our very own plants!

As we investigate a variety of organisms, we will discover that organisms have certain basic needs, such as food and water. In addition, we will learn that organisms have certain specific needs- needs specific to the type of organism, such as type of water, range of temperature, and type of food. While observing and taking care of a number of different plants and animals, the children will hopefully develop positive attitudes and sensitivity toward living things- even towards those creepy crawly millipedes (which are a favorite of the first grade teachers). :-)

We are so excited to welcome Andrew Prazar, who will be working with our class several times thoughout this unit. Mr. Prazar will be joining our class outside for several hands-on activities to foster a greater understanding of our environment and the living things that are all around us.
Andrew Prazar is an environmental educator who spent 7 years working for Mass Audubon, most recently as the education coordinator at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary and obtained a Master's degree in Environmental Education from UNH. He is committed to helping students of all ages understand the natural world through hands-on programming that integrates with current school curricula.
Mr. Prazar's enthusiasm, experience, and expertise will be invaluable throughout this unit, as he provides the children with so many wonderful outdoor learning experiences!
I can't wait to begin exploring and learning with our first graders!

Your child can click on the links below to learn more fascinating facts about organisms! National Geographic Kids also has a variety of amazing articles that your child can read to learn more about plants, animals and habitats!