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The first-grade curriculum focused on seasonal changes in the oak savanna. During the three classroom lessons, students observed seasonal changes of the Oregon white oak tree, learned about the connection between the oak savanna and key species within the habitat, and formed an understanding of human interactions with the oak savanna. This was accomplished using various media including books, journals, and arts and crafts. In the field, students physically interacted with this habitat through scaled scientific questioning, critical observation, and activities/journaling to create compassion, knowledge, and a bond with local natural spaces.
Classroom Lessons
Scientific Observations of the Seasons
Scientific Observations of the Seasons
"Scientific Observations of the Seasons" teaches students about the scientific skills that they will get to use out at Mount Pisgah Arboretum! Through storytelling, students will learn how to be aware of their surroundings by using their senses, specifically their "deer ears, owl eyes, and fox feet." They will also learn how to make scientific observations in a nature journal using "I notice, I wonder and it reminds me of" statements.
Oregon White Oak Throughout the Seasons
Oregon White Oak Throughout the Seasons
"Oregon White Oak Throughout the Seasons" introduces students to the life cycle of the Oregon white oak, the main tree species found in the oak savanna at Mount Pisgah Arboretum. Mentors read a story that shows how the species of the oak savanna ecosystem are affected by the seasonal changes of the Oregon white oak. Students diagram the Oregon white oak lifecycle using glue and cutouts.
Animal Forms in the Oak Savanna
Animal Forms in the Oak Savanna
"Animal Forms in the Oak Savanna" utilizes kinesthetic movement by having students act out the different stage of life cycles! The lesson starts with the Oregon white oak, then teaches about species that live amongst the trees such as the western grey squirrel, black-tailed deer and turkey vultures. Students are able to see how seasonal changes affect different species in different but similar ways.
Field Trip: Exploring the Oak Savanna!
Field Trip: Exploring the Oak Savanna!
On the field trip to Mount Pisgah Arboretum, students spent the day wandering the trails, used magnifying glasses to make scientific observations, and recorded them in a field notebook! Lessons taught on the field trip focused on making observations about seasonal changes and local species. Our pedagogical practices embraced childhood passions, allowing students to lead their learning. Students had the opportunity at Mount Pisgah Arboretum to see the species they learned about during the classroom lessons, and gained a deeper connection to the curricula. Walking through the Oregon white oaks, students saw black-tailed deer bounding across the trail, western grey squirrels collecting acorns, and turkey vultures flying high in the sky! These moments created excitement that is naturally connected to learning opportunities.
A look into 1st grade's nature journals!
A look into 1st grade's nature journals!
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