Elementary School Workshops
Explore the sustainability-related projects your fellow Garrison elementary school students have been working on:
Learn how Pre-K has been collecting data on the pollinators at GUFS - and how they’re supporting these pollinators with bird houses for our pollinator garden!
Join Kindergarteners as they teach you all about seeds and what plants need to grow. Learn about their experiments on how different plant seeds grow differently - but still need the same things to grow!
Did you know the properties of matter that make eclipses possible? 1st-graders explored light waves, and Space in this interdisciplinary project. They concluded with time capsules about who they want to be and what they want the Earth to look like the next time there’s a total solar eclipse in the U.S. (in 2044)!
In June, 2nd- and 5th-graders will be continuing the GUFS long-term citizen science project, measuring Carbon Sequestration in the trees of our school forest. 2nd-graders will be explaining this process, as well as how to ID and measure trees and why it matters!
Learn how biomes, geography, and agriculture are related with the 3rd-graders. Their project explores Native American culture and celebrates their myth about the “3 Sisters” with a bean tipi you can walk through yourself!
4th-graders have been participating in March Mammal Madness this spring. Learn about the 65 unique species they researched and how these species are affected by extreme weather and climate change in these captivating presentations!
5th-graders have been engineering solutions to real-world issues! Learn about the real-world countries they represented in this project and how they’ve worked as a team to achieve the common goal of hydropower.
Birds of Prey
Introduction: Various species of live hawks and owls will accompany Sharon Audubon Staff to demonstrate their beauty, power, and connection with the natural world! Similarities and differences of these amazing birds of prey will be discussed and several props will also be on hand for viewing. Through this program, you’ll learn why raptors and their environment should continue to be protected and respected.
Animal Menagerie
Introduction: Animal life in its diversity is astounding! This workshop will have us understanding appreciating biodiversity through the study of live birds, reptiles, insects, and related props. We’ll learn about each group of animals as they compare the biology, ecology, and the behavioral and physical adaptations of other animals!
Engineering for the Future of our Planet
Introduction: Where do engineers come up with ideas for how to make our planet a better place for all? Energy production is one of the most pressing human needs, and engineers are focusing on energy now more than ever to ensure those needs are met through renewable energy production. Can we also look to nature for inspiration around how to do this better? In this program, you will learn about inspiration for inventions and renewable energy sources. You’ll be challenged to design (and test) efficient wind turbine blades to harness the power of the wind. You will have access to a variety of natural models to inform and inspire your designs, including a live animal ambassador that makes a living doing the same!
Place-Based Learning: Tree Comparisons
Introduction: Embark on an exciting botanical journey as we compare the majestic Coast Redwood to familiar trees right here at Garrison! In this Nature Journaling Workshop, you will delve into the unique characteristics of trees. We'll examine the height, bark texture, leaf shapes, and more, discovering what makes each tree special. Join us for an engaging adventure as we uncover the wonders of these magnificent trees and celebrate the beauty of biodiversity!
Our Changing Environment
Introduction: Climate change is going to make our world look, feel, and act a little different. As the weather and temperature change, animals and plants are going to respond in new and interesting ways. So how will that affect where we live? And how will that affect us? Let’s discuss and learn about ways climate change might impact our local environment. Discover how we can prepare our communities for the changes we might see and try it out ourselves!
Plant-Based Repurposed Projects!
Introduction: We will be making projects from re-used paper and packaging materials! Each student will design their own project & sustainable “business” cards using packing materials, plant-based stamps, and other botanical and mineral ingredients. We will talk briefly about the embedded energy of different materials, what they are made of (fossil fuels, mined elements, or plant-based) and what happens to different materials when they are thrown “away.” Finally, we’ll discuss what materials can be re-used, repurposed, and recycled!