Conservation
The conservation course was started as a middle school course in September 2021. It's purpose was to introduce a hands-on course that would explore different aspects of the natural world, farming, local conservation efforts and much more. It is the primary class which utilizes the greenhouse, nature trail and has been fundamental in creating the courtyard garden.
This course was taught by Mr. Newtown and Ms. Chapman-Hirsch.
Tower gardens
One project was to learn about our aeroponic tower gardens.
Students sorted mystery seeds into different types and planted them in rock wool
Plants were placed in individual trays so we could see what would grow
Once the plants germinated. Students were assigned a color/place in the tower so they could keep track of their plants as they grew!
After they identified their plants and watched them grow, the students elected to make salad bags for the teachers!
Tree Study
Students learned to identify trees
Students learned to identify trees and researched them in books and online. They wrote up a report that could be used as an educational sign on the nature trail and presented their learning to one another.
Worms!
Students learned about the nutrient cycle and made a small worm bin to observe decomposers and their importance in that cycle.
Farm to Table Project
After Thanksgiving, students studied where their festival food came from by following a single ingredient from how it's grown to how it's made into a meal.
Invasive Species Wanted Poster
Students studied invasive species of NYS, their impact on the environment and native species and how to get rid of them and made a WANTED poster. Several students participated in the TERRA Science Fair with these posters!
Nutrients or Not Plant Experienment
Students tested whether or not nutrients helped plants grow and whether hydroponics or potting soils was a better growing medium.
Bluebird Boxes
Students built bluebird boxes in the shop for the Northeastern Bluebird and learned how citizen science has made this bird's story a conservation success.
Courtyard Garden
Conservation students have been in charge of keeping the courtyard clean, beautifying it by planting flowers and setting up the courtyard garden.
Raking Leaves
Planting tulips and daffodils
Laying out the garden
leveling the boxes
hauling dirt
filling the boxes
Pollinator Garden
The students helped prep the space, lay down cardboard and plant the pollinator garden.
Field Trip
To the Nicandri Nature Center in Massena. Thanks Lucas for being our guide!
Exploring the trails:
We saw a beaver.
Kick Netting in a vernal pond to see what lives there
Hellgrammite - maybe
Caddisfly Larvae
Tadpoles
Dragonfly Larvae