The 3rd graders were deeply engaged in Earth Day activities last week! First, we had a visit from Jackie Wilson at the Environmental Center with a specific focus on water conservation. We learned that while nearly 70% of the world is covered by water, only 2.5 percent of it is fresh. The rest is saline and ocean-based. Even then, just 1% of our freshwater is easily accessible, with much of it trapped in glaciers and snowfields.
Students also engaged in the design cycle by creating a robot out of recycled materials. They first started their project by addressing an environmental problem, then brainstorming possible solutions. Once teams decided on a best solution, they drafted different robot designs with features and tools that would help solve the problem.
Finally, on Friday, SPS parent and Forest Service employee, Kevin Foss led the third graders on an informational river walk along the Deschutes River. During the walk, 3rd graders learned about sources of rivers, and how, over time, rivers change course and carve a path through the land. What a wonderful week full of hands-on learning experiences!