Kindergarten
Kindergarten students studied the life cycle of apple trees. They tasted red, green and yellow apples to find out the differences and decide on their favorites. Then they were able to make applesauce and enjoy the fruits of their labor!
Kindergarten students were visited by the "worm lady," a Master Gardener with Howard County. She talked with students about red wriggler worms and teaches about how helpful worms are to the soil.
first grade
While studying the relationship between language and art, first grade students participated in a "walk-about" around Waterloo school grounds to identify elements in the environment that began with each letter of the alphabet in order to build an ABC Alphabet Book.
second grade
Second graders learned about the effects of the environment on their lives and vice versa. They discussed the different natural resources available in different regions as well as the impact of the weather in the different regions. Finally, students learned about different types of pollution and identified ways that pollution can be prevented and/or limiting the effects of pollution on the environment. Students wrote paragraphs on the importance of the environment.
third grade
During an Instructional Seminar about birds and bats, third grade students studied the variety of beaks found on birds and how the different beaks affect a bird's diet and how they eat.
In addition, third grade students created bird feeders to attract and feed songbirds at Waterloo.
fourth grade
Fourth grade students used the engineering design process to brainstorm, plan, design, create, test and improve a windmill that converted wind energy into lifting energy. Classroom discussions included how wind energy could be used as a renewable resource to save money and become more energy independent.
fifth grade
related arts
* Technology
Fifth grade students learned about the engineering design process by building water filters. After learning about the undrinkable water in so many places around the world, they work cooperatively to plan and create water filters to clean the water. This is a engineering unit that is being taught in technology class.