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Objective 2: Student-driven Sustainability Practices
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Water Conservation |
Second grade students posted "Water Conservation songs" on the water fountains in OFE classrooms. They also sang the song on the morning announcements to share their message of saving water with all students. Fifth grade students created and placed signs reminding student to recycle their paper cups, and to drink all of their water so they don't waste it.
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Conservation LandscapingStudents add native plants to the garden to maintain the garden's health. There are no pesticides used in our garden and the native plants require less watering because they are adapted to our local soil. Native plants also require less maintenance and are able to grow more naturally and spread, which also conserve water. (Spring 2015)
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Students also put a fresh layer of mulch to slow down soil moisture evaporation. Mulch also slows down erosion, keeping the moisture in the soil and plant roots. Additionally, the mulch also creates a buffer from cold and warm temperatures, acting as an insulator to the soil. When mulching and planting, some students noticed areas by the swings that needed more mulch and were concerned and initiated filling it in with extra mulch to slow the erosion around the swings. (spring 2014) |
Thrifty Thursday Tips
Students help research conservation tips!
Every Thursday students read aloud tips to share with students and staff!
Below is a sample of TTT; Orange facts are energy conservations and blue facts are water conservation tips.
Maintaining our native gardens |
In the Fall of 2016, grade 5 students completed research projects on Maryland native plants and trees. Essays will be compiled and used this spring to select the best types of native plants at add to our gardens. Pictured below are fifth graders completing their research and sample essays that were written.
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No Mow Area
The Green STEM committee as discussed the idea of a "No Mow" area. We plan to incorporate this project in math lessons for grades 3 - 5 to students to help determine the size and location. Then students will be able to create signs so that it does not get mowed. (future planning - has not occurred yet)