The link below is to my classroom web site. I have Photos of previous activities, lesson plans, assignments, supplemental readings and activities, and announcements. It also is a resource for any forms that are needed for field trips or other events. Please check it regularly for classroom information.. There is also a link to it on my “Biology Lesson Plans” page on the blog site..
Mt Washington
Mount Washington re-visited- Experience is Everything
For many years our students at GHS have an opportunity to explore a variety of Northern ecosystems through the Outdoor Classroom Program. One afternoon is spent in a nearby river examining the flora and fauna that support it. We perform water chemical analysis and gather macro-invertebrates in order to determine the health of the stream. The nearby plants and shrubs are uniquely adapted to the system and support a variety of wildlife. The afternoon includes shorter hikes through a rich deciduous forest with awesome views of Tuckerman Ravine. We test our tree identification skills and learn about the natural history of the North Woods.
Our second day we travel up to the Alpine garden observing changes in habitat as we increase the elevation. Meadows give way to mixed hardwood forests and finally change to all conifers. Once we travel above tree line the uniquely adapted alpine plants will dominate the range. We hike with backpacks complete with food, light clothing, winter clothing and medical supplies. The hike is very challenging and tremendously rewarding not only academically but also personally. My philosophy is “challenge by choice” meaning the students choose the level of challenge. The challenge at times makes us doubt our abilities and it often takes a trusted friend or in this case mentor to bring out the best in us. Teamwork is the key. Each individual brings back a richness of experience that is unique and is well appreciated. I share this because this summer we took two trips to Mt Washington. Only one student experienced such an adventure. Now, the kids are pressuring me to run another Sprint Adventure. I am thrilled to have them pressure me in this way and thought I would share some pics.
KidWind draws a variet ages, interests and community together
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Kid Wind- A great way to connect kids and community
Susan gathering kids in for a wind energy overview
Keeping the Connection in Education
Envirothon
My Environmental Science Club, a mix of sophomores, Juniors and Seniors, are very excited about the Current Issue-“Climate Change”! We have an awesome City that is hugely active about sustainable living. The most fun news is that we are doing soil core samples in our local area and Susan Reyes gave me an awesome tool to analyze. The kids are making the tool with my husband and we plan to core sample Greenfield! I will send pics next week.
Getting outside
AMC is a wonderful resource. I have worked for them as a volunteer for many years; still they offer awesome individualized programs at a great rate. I designed a diversity lab for coral reefs and had AMC run a forest diversity study at a beautiful location. We went to Noble View on Oct 10th, had a wonderful hike and performed a diversity study.. So fun, so beautiful and so memorable for all in the group
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Here is my second post.
Hello Again World!