Organisms
How are living
things different from non-living things? What are the similarities and
differences between plants found in the forest? How are woodland plants and
freshwater plants alike and different? These are some of the questions that the
children will be trying to answer during our Science times, as we begin our
Science unit on Organisms.
Children have a
natural curiosity about both animals and plants. In this Organism unit, the
children will have many opportunities to observe and discover how plants and
animals are alike and different, and to think about themselves as organisms
too!
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| beetle |
During this
hands-on Science unit, your child will be observing and learning about a
variety of living things such as snails, guppies, pill bugs, millipedes or best
beetles, which will then be added to our classroom aquarium and terrarium. In
addition, we will be growing our very own plants!
 |
| snail |
 |
| guppy |
As we investigate
a variety of organisms, we will discover that organisms have certain basic
needs, such as food and water. In addition, we will learn that organisms have
certain specific needs- needs specific to the type of organism, such as type of
water, range of temperature, and type of food. While observing and taking care
of a number of different plants and animals, the children will hopefully
develop positive attitudes and sensitivity toward living things- even towards those
creepy crawly millipedes (which are a favorite of the first grade teachers).
:-)
We are so excited
to welcome Andrew Prazar, who will be working with our class several times
throughout this unit. Mr. Prazar will be joining our class outside for several
hands-on activities to foster a greater understanding of our environment and
the living things that are all around us. Andrew Prazar is an environmental
educator who spent 7 years working for Mass Audubon, most recently as the
education coordinator at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary and obtained a
Master's degree in Environmental Education from UNH. He is committed to helping
students of all ages understand the natural world through hands-on programming
that integrates with current school curricula. Mr. Prazar's enthusiasm,
experience, and expertise will be invaluable throughout this unit, as he
provides the children with so many wonderful outdoor learning experiences!
 |
| a sprouting plant |
I can't wait to begin exploring and learning with our first
graders!
