Earth Day 2015
By:
Student initiative led to a renovation of the Roanoke Elementary school garden. A fourth grade student took an interest in our school garden and organized the after school Earth Day Celebration. Students solicited money from the school PTA to purchase over 200 Texas Native Pollinator friendly plants. They researched plants and redeisgned the garden plots.
Students where given the opportunity to volunteer for an after school planting lesson. Teachers where shocked at the response as over 100 students took an interest in our school's 'new' garden areas. Teachers provided lessons on the importance of native plant species for water conservation. Pollinator friendly plants were planted and lessons given concerning the value of pollinators for food supply.
The success of the project led to the PTA adding a Green Ribbon Schools line item to their budget for future years' garden improvements. Plans for next year are already starting for a water feature for the butterfly garden.
Pride in 'their garden' was seen in reflection writing across grade levels.
Texas Essention Knowledge and Sklls
(5.3A) in all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student
(5.9A) observe the way organisms live and survive in their ecosystem by interacting with the living and non-living elements
(5.9B) describe how the flow of energy derived from the Sun, used by producers to create their own food, is transferred through a food chain and food web to consumers and decomposers
(5.9D) identify the significance of the carbon dioxide-oxygen cycle to the survival of plants and animals
(5.17A) write a personal narrative that conveys thoughts and feelings about an experience
(5.19A) write persuasive essays for appropriate audiences that establish a position and include sound reasoning, detailed and relevant evidence, and consideration of alternatives