Classes V02 and V03 prepared this culminating project to share with other classes attending the garden day celebration. Students included pictures from self-guided tours and their favorite guided programs. Students did a great job of showing what they learned about "Plants We Eat." Our last trip of the year is on May 30th. We hope to see the lilacs and roses in full bloom!
Students enjoyed a long walk through the Thain Forest. We stopped on the bridge crossing the Bronx River to view the waterfall. Students used this opportunity to record their observations and anything they were curious about. We will revisit the same location in the spring to see how the forest and river ecosystem changes.
NYC had a sleet/wintery mix event the day before our trip. The walk was a little soggy in places and there were some small hills to climb on the unpaved trail. Students persevered as they explored the winding paths by the river and through the forest with only a handful of students reporting they they were tired at the end of the nearly hour-long walk.
Students attended the train show in the conservatory. We saw model trains and buildings spread throughout the different biomes in the conservatory. Students particularly enjoyed seeing the large bridges for the trains to cross. While inside the conservatory, it began snowing!
Next, students had a guided tour of different biomes in the conservatory. We were focused on noticing the patterns of different plants. More specifically, we learned how the patterns relate to their growing environments. The tour ended with an activity where students used plant parts to create symmetrical mandalas that they were able to take home with them.
Upon arriving at the garden, we took a leisurely stroll through the South Arboretum and marveled at the massive white pine trees. After eating lunch at Daffodil hill, we made our way to The Conservatory for our guided program, "Plants We Eat."
Students learned about plants in the rainforest and desert biomes. We were able to feel the difference of temperature and humidity between the different rooms of the conservatory. While making their observations and engaging in thoughtful discussions, students continued making connections between plants and their food. Students enjoyed ending the trip with a planting activity which resulted in them taking home a small pansy flower they take care of and watch grow. Did you know you can eat the flower of a pansy? Now we all do!
The theme of the partnership this year is "Plant Parts We Eat." For our first trip of the year, students made observations in the native plants garden and woodland trail. They collected data on different animals and insects they observed using plants for food or shelter.
Students enjoyed seeing tadpoles and frogs in their native habitat. Some students and staff spotted a snake slithering through the fallen leaves to hide from our class. We were able to be still and quiet enough that we spotted a lizard warming itself on a large rock.