We split up into small groups and were each led by a different tour guide. Throughout the last two days we explored messages from the earth. We engaged in a variety of activities that allowed us to learn several important things about the earth, habitats, ecosystems, and interdependence.
We learned...
- Organisms perform a variety of roles within an ecosystem.
- Organisms live in habitats that fit their needs.
- Organisms need just right habitats to survive.
- Animals have different ways of living, different ways of feeding, and different defense mechanisms.
- Populations interact to obtain food energy.
At the end of each day the students spent time in a Magic Spot. The students chose a quiet spot alone where they could observe the beautiful woods around them. It was definitely one of our favorite activities of each day.
As a culminating activity, we were given an animal and had to figure out its needs in order to decide if it lives in a marsh, field, or forest habitat. Then, we participated in a mock trial because we found out that the marsh is being destroyed. Therefore, the inhabitants of the marsh land had to stand trial in front of the jury (the field and forest). The students had to decide whether or not the animals and plants that were kicked out of the marsh were able to survive in the field or forest. We learned that this is an actual problem here in Ohio and in the United States. It was a great way for the students to think about a real-world problem and apply their knowledge.
The students reflected on their learning by blogging on their KidBlog. We also documented our learning by creating a web when we returned to school this afternoon. Our trip to Stratford is a kick-off to our ecosystem study. It was a wonderful two days spent learning outside with each other. We are looking forward to returning to Stratford in the winter.
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