Michelle’s Big Idea:
Students grew mangroves during the school year and planted them at the end of the year in a location on Sanibel – an area ecologically devastated by Hurricane Ian. Students participated in lessons about weathering, erosion, rocks and soil, weather and climate as well as the human impact on mangroves. Students collected mangrove propagules from areas around the island and replant them and perform experiments on them; by growing them in different mediums, substrates, salt concentrations and nutrients. Algal blooms with fertilizers were introduced and outcomes were measured. Students recorded data, and took observations of their mangroves throughout the year. This was a priority for our school and students because it supported not only the island’s healing but also supported student healing by revealing the power they have in caring for their home environment. Students and their families who lost their homes and belongings participated in building their environments and fostered resilience.
Outcomes included:
- Defining a problem from the sixth grade curriculum, using appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, planning and carrying out scientific investigation of various types, such as systematic observations or experiments, identifying variables, collecting and organizing data, interpreting data in charts, tables, and graphics, analyzing information, making predictions, and defending conclusions;
- Identifying the role of models in the context of the sixth grade science benchmarks;
- Differentiating and showing interactions among the geosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere;
- Describing and giving examples of ways in which Earth’s surface is built up and torn down by physical and chemical weathering, erosion, and deposition.
- Identifying the impact that humans have on Earth, such as deforestation, urbanization, desertification, erosion, air and water quality, and changing the flow of water.
Interesting Fact:
Michelle’s school abuts Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge and classrooms have use of the refuge.
