Celebrating Plato, with Ray Chin….a carrot party and a reading session

Dear Parents,

Our second grade class is off to an exciting start to the school year! For the first several days of school we were fortunate to have the opportunity to observe Monarch chrysalises as they began their several day journey through their magical transformations. A local entomologist had given me several eggs that I was able to “incubate” and then bring to school for the last part of their life cycle.

Preparing to release our Monarch butterfly

Monarch butterfly beginning its migration journey

During the 2016-17 school year, my class will be engaged in a project-based learning initiative, focused on a “driving question”, How can TES second graders teach our community about taking care of the Zebedee Headwaters?

They will be engaged in a wide variety of components of this larger question, during the school year, in an attempt to express their own voices and opinions about this inquiry; to actively participate in visits and observations in the Wetlands; and to examine the importance of biodiversity in this specialized habitat.

                       Zebedee Headwaters

             Exploring the Linny Levin Trail

The heart of our Wetlands study is based on the Next Generation Science Standard that addresses biodiversity in habitats, exploring the interdependence of animals and plants unique to each habitat; and the role of humans in these habitats.

Perhaps what is most exciting about our second grade Wetlands project, is our collaboration with the Upper Valley Land Trust. For several years they have been overseeing the Zebedee Conservation Area in Thetford, recognizing its value as
an outdoor classroom for Thetford Elementry students and for the community. The diversity of wildlife that it represents, with forest, swamp, brook, and pond, presents the challenge of preventing invasive species from upsetting the delicate balance of each micro-environment. Recognizing that the Upper Valley Land Trust is dedicated to promoting the “health” of the Wetlands, and imparting its benefits to our community, second grade would like to be partners with them in this effort.
In addition, our hope is to join them in their commitment to maintaining the Linny Levin Trail that meanders through the Wetlands. Our greatest hope it that our former students, along with our second graders, will become the future stewards
of this valuable resource.