As the second grade wraps up their first unit, CHOICES, there has been lots of fun activity in the classroom.
Earlier this week, students rotated through three centers. In one center, they recycled old plastic water bottles into pencil holders using a hot glue gun and zippers.
They also made sugar water stations using mason jars and rocks for bees to drink water while on the Lausanne campus.
Back inside, students experienced a fun activity where they became stationary trees. Using poker chips to represent air, water and nutrients, the students "planted" themselves in the classroom and competed for the chips. This allowed them to understand what a tree needs to survive.
In my class, we learned about the many things that trees give us in life. We have discussed that trees give us oxygen, shade, etc. but the students discovered that trees also give us the building blocks for latex, cork, chocolate, gum, and toilet paper," second-grade teacher Jeff Massey said. "The students discussed what trees need to survive (air, water, & nutrients). Rather than listening to a discussion of the topics, the classroom was transformed into Mr. Massey’s tree farm. Students became trees at the farm. The students learned how trees survive given differing amounts of air, water, and nutrients. We continually provide meaningful, real, authentic learning experiences to extend the students’ learning. Making the lesson hands on will help the students actively construct new knowledge."
Thursday, Drew Massengale from Memphis Botanic Garden came to the class to speak about his job making positive choices for the Earth.
"Second graders have worked hard on understanding that the choices humans make impact themselves, our resources and our environment. Each of us can make a difference," second-grade teacher Robin Fessler said. "Learning from the many guest speakers/experts have enhanced our learning and helped us further see the interconnectedness of all living objects."