First and third grade students at Bronxville Elementary School stepped outside the classrooms and into nature during a recent walking trip to the Bronx River, part of their science lessons with teachers Veronica Lindahl and Stephanie Kennedy.
The hands-on adventure complemented the first graders’ studies in their Pebbles, Sand and Silt; and Sound units and the third graders’ studies in their Weathering, Erosion and Deposition unit, giving them an opportunity to observe nature firsthand. Along the river, the first graders examined where different-sized rocks can be found in nature and discussed how such materials are used in everyday life. The third graders observed real-world erosion and deposition and identified natural and manmade elements that limit erosion.
“We looked at how rocks are used by people – bricks used to build walls and stones placed to help form bridges,” Lindahl said. “It was a great way to see the connection between nature and our everyday lives.”
In addition, the students participated in a listening walk, identifying and describing sounds based on their volume and tone, furthering deepening their understanding of sound.