1.1 Curriculum & Instruction: Environmental Issue Instruction
Lower School
Pre-School
Preschoolers revel in the world of science as discovery is made with all five senses. The Preschool curriculum includes a planet preservation unit that covers endangered species and the purpose of zoos/aquariums. Students enjoy a visit to the zoo. Extensive nonfiction literature, planet clean up, water conservation in the restroom and water fountain are also woven into this unit all throughout the school year.
In the fall, children go on nature walks, collecting leaves, sticks, acorns, etc. along the way. In a lesson integrating art and the outdoors, they then painted with their findings. After Halloween, preschool students place their pumpkin seeds in the school garden. They are delighted to find large pumpkin vines to care for when they return in the fall. During the winter, students learn about polar bears, their needs, and their plight.
In the spring, preschoolers help clean-up the school and playground. They also join their Helping Hands (older students they are partnered with) to plant seeds in the School garden for Earth Day. The students enjoy watching caterpilars grow and change into butterflies. Painted Lady butterflies are released on a warm sunny day and we make sure there are lots of flowers for them to come back to for food.
In the fall, children go on nature walks, collecting leaves, sticks, acorns, etc. along the way. In a lesson integrating art and the outdoors, they then painted with their findings. After Halloween, preschool students place their pumpkin seeds in the school garden. They are delighted to find large pumpkin vines to care for when they return in the fall. During the winter, students learn about polar bears, their needs, and their plight.
In the spring, preschoolers help clean-up the school and playground. They also join their Helping Hands (older students they are partnered with) to plant seeds in the School garden for Earth Day. The students enjoy watching caterpilars grow and change into butterflies. Painted Lady butterflies are released on a warm sunny day and we make sure there are lots of flowers for them to come back to for food.
Pre-K
Pre-Kindergartners learn early that recycling and re-purposing materials is fun, important, and something we can do all year.
Bringing the outdoors into the classroom, students investigate the world around them. In the fall, students collect and sort leaves and acorns that are integrated into math lessons. In the winter, our major science unit is space and our PreK'ers build planets, moons, meteors, and asteroids from recycled items. At the conclusion of this unit, students participate in a "Silly Space Day" where we use collected lunch containers to build aliens and spaceships.
In the spring, PreK students take a trip to the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center to learn about bay animals and marsh environments. There, they seine, catch and classify vertebrates and non-vertebrates, and catch grass shrimp. The students make sun prints and nature collages in the spring as well. The warmer weather means students are back to spending a great deal of time outdoors. We encourage mud play, digging for worms, and all sorts of sensory exploration to learn about the Earth.
Bringing the outdoors into the classroom, students investigate the world around them. In the fall, students collect and sort leaves and acorns that are integrated into math lessons. In the winter, our major science unit is space and our PreK'ers build planets, moons, meteors, and asteroids from recycled items. At the conclusion of this unit, students participate in a "Silly Space Day" where we use collected lunch containers to build aliens and spaceships.
In the spring, PreK students take a trip to the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center to learn about bay animals and marsh environments. There, they seine, catch and classify vertebrates and non-vertebrates, and catch grass shrimp. The students make sun prints and nature collages in the spring as well. The warmer weather means students are back to spending a great deal of time outdoors. We encourage mud play, digging for worms, and all sorts of sensory exploration to learn about the Earth.
Collages and Space Day projects made from recycled materials
Kindergarten
The Kindergartners are learning all about food in language arts! They discussed their favorite fruits and vegetables and read the story, "Apple Farmer Annie." They wrote about their favorite fruits and vegetables and described them using alliterations. This led into many discussions about where our food comes from and the importance of farms and farmers.
At the beginning of the year we visit Milburn Apple Orchard. Students learned how apples go from seeds to stores. At the orchard, the children learned how the apples are picked off the tree, separated into good and bad ones, and washed and shipped to the stores. At the end of the tour, the children got to pick and keep their own apple off the tree. Students also labeled the life cycle of an apple in technology on iPads.
In the winter, Kindergartners studied animals and their habitats. In addition to taking a walk on our campus nature trail, students built their own animal habitats along the trail using found natural items. In May, this study always culminates with a trip to the Washington Zoo to further learn about animals and their habitats.
At the beginning of the year we visit Milburn Apple Orchard. Students learned how apples go from seeds to stores. At the orchard, the children learned how the apples are picked off the tree, separated into good and bad ones, and washed and shipped to the stores. At the end of the tour, the children got to pick and keep their own apple off the tree. Students also labeled the life cycle of an apple in technology on iPads.
In the winter, Kindergartners studied animals and their habitats. In addition to taking a walk on our campus nature trail, students built their own animal habitats along the trail using found natural items. In May, this study always culminates with a trip to the Washington Zoo to further learn about animals and their habitats.
Apple orchard projects and trips to the farm.
1st Grade
The first graders raise a baby diamondback terrapin through the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Students are introduced to their terrapin and invited to share names for their terrapin. In November, coinciding with the national and local elections, the first graders set up voting booths, make signs for the two names that top the list, and everyone in the school participates with their one vote.
Each week, the students measure and weigh baby terrapin “Scales” and then enter the numbers in their Science notebooks. The measurements include: weight in grams, carapace length and width, plastron length, and shell height. The terrapin is released to Poplar Island in the spring.
In Science class, first graders read Turtles in My Sandbox by Jennifer Keats Curtis. The students view many photos of terrapins and observe the different shades and coloring of the animals. They color and make a 3-dimensional terrapin of their own. They use a blank piece of paper to draw the habitat where they would find the terrapin. Students use Enchanted Learning to “research” different kinds of turtles and they compare and contrast terrapins, sea turtles, and tortoises.
In the botany unit, first graders learn about the magic of seeds. The lessons focus on how plants are able to transform from dormant seeds into young plants and the connection to nutrition. Students plant vegetable and flower seeds and keep a garden journal outlining measurements and leaf numbers, as well as labeled drawings. Students make a tasty and nutritious “seed salad” with popcorn, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries. They also perform seed germination experiments and photosynthesis experiments.
Each week, the students measure and weigh baby terrapin “Scales” and then enter the numbers in their Science notebooks. The measurements include: weight in grams, carapace length and width, plastron length, and shell height. The terrapin is released to Poplar Island in the spring.
In Science class, first graders read Turtles in My Sandbox by Jennifer Keats Curtis. The students view many photos of terrapins and observe the different shades and coloring of the animals. They color and make a 3-dimensional terrapin of their own. They use a blank piece of paper to draw the habitat where they would find the terrapin. Students use Enchanted Learning to “research” different kinds of turtles and they compare and contrast terrapins, sea turtles, and tortoises.
In the botany unit, first graders learn about the magic of seeds. The lessons focus on how plants are able to transform from dormant seeds into young plants and the connection to nutrition. Students plant vegetable and flower seeds and keep a garden journal outlining measurements and leaf numbers, as well as labeled drawings. Students make a tasty and nutritious “seed salad” with popcorn, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries. They also perform seed germination experiments and photosynthesis experiments.
Celebrating the Terrapins!
First graders have been measuring "Scales" every month since September and next week is the big release at Poplar Island! Today students took the final weight and our terrapin grew from a tiny 17 grams to 92 grams in April. They then used the website "Create a Graph" to input their data and make line graphs to illustrate Scales' growth.
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2nd Grade
Second grades learn about ecosystems and biodiversity. They learn that plants and animals depend on their environment and each other to meet their needs. There are many different kinds of living things and they exist in different places on land and in water. Students research and develop a model of a food chain with specific components: energy source, producer, primary consumer, secondary consumer using the Enchanted Learning website. Students read Who Eats What? by Patricia Lauber, play “Food Fight” on BrainPop.com, and engage in an activity, “What did I eat for lunch?” where they draw “me” and find the food chains from their lunch to depict how energy flows.
Suncatchers to learn that everything starts with the Sun and students in front of their food webs.
3rd Grade
Third graders plan, plant, grow, and maintain an outdoor garden in their “Growing Healthy Habits” unit in Science. Students learn the science behind maintaining a garden, how water moves through plants and throughout the garden, and how to conserve water. Students learn about plant competition and why removing weeds from the garden helps grow healthier vegetables. Students play a group game that helps demonstrate what happens to our vegetable plants when we have weeds in the garden. Students keep a garden journal in their science notebooks. Throughout the year, students share their herbs and vegetables with fellow students and faculty.
Third graders delve into the economics of eating fresh fruits and vegetables and compare the value versus processed food. Gardening requires a commitment of time and the initial investment of money but once the season is in full bloom, the students can harvest a fresh supply of vegetables without going to the grocery store.
Third graders delve into the economics of eating fresh fruits and vegetables and compare the value versus processed food. Gardening requires a commitment of time and the initial investment of money but once the season is in full bloom, the students can harvest a fresh supply of vegetables without going to the grocery store.
4th Grade
In their unit "Structure, Function, and Information Processing of Plants and Animals," fourth graders delve into the essential question: "How are the basic needs of plants and animals met in the natural world?" Students learn about plant and animal adaptations by comparing and contrasting native organisms in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystems. Students “Adopt a Native Tree,” making observations in a Science notebook, taking samples and rubbings of leaves, stems, flowers, fruit and bark; and researching how the tree parts help the tree survive. Students match tree ring patterns with the factors that caused them and they use cross-dating techniques to determine the age of the tree.
A fourth grade field trip to Assateague Island highlights the integration of Science and Social Studies. Students identify native plants and animals that live in coastal Maryland. Then they identify specific adaptations of living organisms such as counter-shading, specialized appendages, camouflage, and protective covering on a scavenger hunt.
A fourth grade field trip to Assateague Island highlights the integration of Science and Social Studies. Students identify native plants and animals that live in coastal Maryland. Then they identify specific adaptations of living organisms such as counter-shading, specialized appendages, camouflage, and protective covering on a scavenger hunt.
Assateague Island field trip. Adopt a tree unit.
5th Grade
Fifth graders embark on a quest to become "associate producers" and "researchers" for a faux production company that is interested in developing a series of television documentaries on the Chesapeake Bay. Ecology, the environment, and scientific topics are the focus of their research as they are encouraged to see the Bay and its watershed as important resources that need to be protected. Using the MPT Thinkport website, students investigate the state of the Bay and the health of its plants and animals. They learn the importance of environmental stewardship by researching what they can do to positively impact the environment. Students investigate the impact of urban and suburban development on the water cycle and the effect people have on the quality of water. Students share personal position pieces based on the evidence they have found on the development of a mall near the water. The culminating experience for the students is a one-day field experience at the Philip Merrill Environmental Center. This program’s outstanding location allows students to experience the shore of the Bay, the woods of Bay Ridge, the tidal marsh of Black Walnut Creek, and the local fields of tall native grasses. Students survey the flora and fauna that make up an ecosystem’s biodiversity, seine in the Bay and creek, and troll for oysters and fish when aboard the CBF’s boat.
In Science, students also study energy efficiency and renewable energy sources and build water-powered, wind-powered and solar-powered K'Nex models. They look at an energy bill from BG&E depicting how many kilowatt-hours were used as well as natural gas usage. Fifth graders also calculate the costs of electricity using typical usages for appliances in the home. As energy detectives, students researched ways to save electricity in their homes and at school.
In Science, students also study energy efficiency and renewable energy sources and build water-powered, wind-powered and solar-powered K'Nex models. They look at an energy bill from BG&E depicting how many kilowatt-hours were used as well as natural gas usage. Fifth graders also calculate the costs of electricity using typical usages for appliances in the home. As energy detectives, students researched ways to save electricity in their homes and at school.
Pictures form the CBF trip to the Philip Merrill Center and learning about wind energy with K'Nex.
Middle School
6th Grade
Wye Island Field Trip
In the spring, the sixth graders will go on a Science/Outdoor Education field trip to the Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area. While on site, Park Rangers present the “Scales and Tails” program. Afterwards, the students have the opportunity to hike and explore the island. This trip is planned by Mr. Jim Maloney, the Middle School's Outdoor Education Coordinator. The Outdoor Education program was developed to help our Middle School students learn to appreciate the beauty of nature and to understand the importance of preserving natural environments. The Middle School is dedicated to inspiring students to be good stewards of the environment and providing them with opportunities for direct, first-hand, experience in the outdoors. Below is a copy of the permission slip that will be sent home to parents for this Spring's trip.
Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center Field Trip
In the fall of 2015, the sixth graders went on a science/outdoor education field trip to the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center in Grasonville, MD. Activities included geocaching, seining, and water quality testing.
7th Grade
Water Filtration Project
Students learn that drinking water comes from various sources which may contain impurities or organisms that may cause disease. They discuss ways in which the the Environmental Protection Agency sets quality standards for the water distributed in the United States. After studying places in the world where access to clean, safe drinking water is scarce, students are asked to design, create and test a water filtration device. Their devices must be constructed from everyday materials that can be found in grocery, hardware or convenience stores. It must be relatively inexpensive to make and must operate with the help of two people or less. Since many Third World countries do not have electrical resources to run a pump; their device must run without electricity. Ultimately, they will test their filter for total dissolved solids to determine how effectively their filter is able to remove impurities in the water.
The Water Project
Students study the effects of water shortage around the world and explore ways to conserve water. At the end of the unit students are given the opportunity to participate in the Water Challenge set forth by The Water Project. The challenge asks participants to drink only water for 2 weeks in an effort to save money that could in turn be put toward building wells in Africa.
The Chesapeake Bay
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Students begin studying the health of the Chesapeake Bay by analyzing the Chesapeake Bay report card (published by Chesapeake Bay Foundation).
They furthered their knowledge by researching various heath indicators and design a poster to advocate for the health of the Bay. |
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Tuckahoe State Park Overnight
Each year, the 7th grade class enjoys an overnight camping experience at Tuckahoe State Park in Queen Anne, Maryland. During their stay at Tuckahoe, students have an opportunity to participate in fishing, canoeing, hiking, campfire cooking, a ropes course, and other related outdoor activities. This trip is planned by Mr. Jim Maloney, the Middle School's Outdoor Education Coordinator. The Outdoor Education program was developed to help our Middle School students learn to appreciate the beauty of nature and to understand the imporatnce of preserving natural environments. The Middle School is dedicated to developing students into good stewards of the environment and providing them with opportunities for direct, first-hand, experience in the outdoors.
The field trip for the 2015-2016 year has been scheduled for May 5-6.
The field trip for the 2015-2016 year has been scheduled for May 5-6.
Students enjoying the Tuckahoe trip.
8th Grade
Environmental Art Project
Eighth grade students studied various environmental activists and organizations such as Julia "Butterfly" Hill and TOMS. They were then asked to choose an environmental issue that speaks to them. After choosing their topic they created a piece of artwork that represents this issue. Students could choose various mediums such as painting, collage, poetry, song and sculpture. They were then asked to write an artist statements that addressed why they chose their topic and it's significance.
Completed projects.
National Park Project
During their ecology unit, eighth grade students were asked to research a National Park and create a brochure. Their brochures provided a park overview, a park map, a graphic representation of a food web, a case study of an invasive species, and a case study of an endangered species.
Completed posters.
Echo Hill Field Trip
Each fall, the 8th grade class spends three days and two nights at Echo Hill Outdoor School on the Eastern Shore. Echo Hill’s mission is to provide students with positive experiences in the outdoors that are exciting, interesting, and fun. Through their programs, students learn more about the wonders of nature, the value of history, and the diversity of individual qualities. Within the safe and supportive environment, students will feel challenged and successful with the freedom to think, question, and express themselves.
Pictures from the Echo Hill Trip.
Upper School
Upper School Curriculum and Instruction:
Introduction to Environmental Science, 9th Grade: Each fall, students in Introduction to Environmental Science set out to explore why the leaves change color in the fall. Students isolate pigments from green, yellow and red leaves and then, using chromatography, isolate the pigments that exist in those leaves. Students then make a solution of the different pigments and calculate light absorption data to support their chromatography results. To finish, students create a poster explaining their results. |
Drawing, 10th, 11th and 12th Grade: Something smelled, well, stinky, in the Upper School Arts Hall in the lower level of McCleary Student Center last week. The source of the organic earthy odor was a boiling pot of dark mushy black walnuts, harvested right from the Stine Outdoor Environmental Center behind McCleary last fall. "The students are making Black Walnut ink," reported US art teacher Mary Ellen Carsley. "The walnuts are from the fall harvest from our very own campus trees, and this is the same ink that Leonardo da Vinci used to create his famous notebooks." Stored in a squirrel-proof container, the walnut husks have been awaiting their fate all winter. Once boiled with water (1:1 ratio) for the better part of a day, the resulting mash will be strained through silk and a small amount of alcohol added to kill any mold-producing bacteria. The resulting product is a lovely reddish-brown ink that's ready to be used in a variety of projects. |
Freshman English, 9th Grade; AND Creative Writing, 11th and 12th Grade: Since 1990, Severn School has participated in the Federated Garden's Club's Youth Programs. Routinely, freshman and for many years the Creative Writing Class addressed the annual specified theme. For this past academic year, the theme was, "Protecting and Conserving Our Natural Resources." Students wrote their poems while seated in the outdoor nature center in the back of Severn School.Currently the school is sponsored by the Moonflower Garden Club. |
AP Environmental Science, 11th and 12th Grade:
In the spring of each year, students in the two APES classes attend a CBF field Trip out of Meredith Creek. Students spend a half day on the Bay taking water samples and the other half of the day canoeing Meredith creek and exploring the wetlands. Students learn about water quality and the influence of agriculture and the urban environment on water quality. This year in the Fall, in addition to the Meredith Creek trip, students also took a trip to Clagett Farm.
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