Friday, April 11, 2014

Backyard Biome Projects

This week the children presented their research on their animal or plant that lives in the biome to our class. We took all of the projects and created our own Caladesi Island biome in a collaborative project. 




Thursday, April 10, 2014

Backyard Biome


      One Montessori World
March Project
Backyard Biome: A Lesson in Biology


Dear Parents,

This month, our students will be focusing studies on a cross-curricular, multi-disciplinary study of the Florida Gulf Coast with focus on nature, ecology, and biology.  Scientific studies will connect to the mural Return to Picnic Island by local artist Christopher Still.  Participating students will analyze the painting and identify specific local species of plants and animals.  The project will also reference Caladesi Island and other Gulf Coast mangrove areas. 

·      Research: Following study of the painting, students will select one represented animal or plant to research.  Students should include a description of the habitat and other relevant information. Reports should be a minimum of two paragraphs.  

·      Display: Students will recreate the image of the mural in a 3-D representation in class.  Mrs. Mackay will work together with the students to create the foundation.  Each student should bring in a real or representative item (printed picture, artistic creation of clay, playdoh, or construction paper, etc.) to include in the live mural. 

·      Here are the animals and plants your children have selected:

Avery M.- Sand Dollar #49
Eli- Gopher Tortoise #63 and Horseshoe Crab #33
Grace- Great Blue Heron #34
Sophia B-Pen Shell #20 and Stingray #52
Sophia R- Ghost Crab #28
Anthony- Sand Dunes #61
Ajay-Red Knots #13 and  Giant Atlantic Cockel #48
Isabella- Coquina #24
Stephen- Bald Eagle #65

Students will be working in class and with middle school students over the month of March.  Assignments are due on April 1st for the class display.   If you have any questions, please contact me! Please remember to visit www.onemontessoriworld.blogspot.com to follow our studies!


Warm Regards,
Betty Jane Mackay

Lead Montessori Teacher