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Growing Students in Science
Fifth Grade: Ecosystems |
Fall
The program is held at a Holden's Strong Acres. The Strong Acres property was donated to Holden more than 50 years ago by the Strong family. The donated 151 acres went through many changes during Strong’s and Holden’s ownership. Students study these changes by studying the two types of ecosystems, forest and field, found on the property. They become scientists and study various living and non-living things in the environment. One of the things they discover is that different animals inhabit each ecosystem and how human interaction or natural disaster can change a ecosystem over time.
Winter
First person interpreter, Rachel Carson visits the classroom. Carson was a famous biologist, conservationist and author of Silent Spring. Students learn about Carson's life and her studies of the balance of nature as it is effected
by the actions of humans. She challenges students to consider the consequencesof human actions. She encourages them to be scientists by observing and asking questions.
Spring
During the month of May classes visit Holden to study a stream ecosystem. Students explore the living and non-living components of the stream. They learn about the organisms that live here and explore their relationships
to each other. Hands-on activities include collecting stream macro invertebrates, playing an interactive stream food web activity and collecting data to determine the health of the stream.
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