written by the 5th grade class
During first quarter, students in Mrs. Soward’s 5th grade class spent time learning all about our different ecosystems and the importance each piece plays in making it a flourishing environment for organisms to thrive. At the end of the unit they were tasked with becoming an expert on a specific ecosystem and then had to create a BRAND NEW organism that could survive there. They had to determine what adaptations were necessary, where their place would be in the food chain, and what environmental factors could affect it. They used their chromebooks for research and shoe boxes along with other supplies to build a model of their ecosystem and their new animal. On their half day to end the quarter, other classes and families were invited to join 5th graders in their transformed room to see and hear them present their projects. After days and hours of researching and creating, the students were full of pride and excitement to share what they had learned!
After visiting, Mrs. T.K. said, “ Mrs. Soward and her students did a phenomenal job transforming their classroom and taking their learning to new heights. Well done!” “AWESOME project!!!” was Mr. Farr’s response after taking a walk through the ecosystem experience.