KINDERGARTEN
The Mount Washington School faculty encourages
students to reuse materials as a means for reducing solid waste. In March
2014, kindergarteners were challenged to use found objects to create vehicles
and then to describe their creations. From an early age, Mount Washington
students learn to examine how they can find a new purpose for an object rather
than tossing it in a landfill.
Life Cycles
In fall 2013, students in
kindergarten participated in a Life Cycles club. Students
learned about the science of everyday life such as: the life cycle of plants
and butterflies, the relationship between air and water and the impact of noise
pollution. The budding female scientists were able to share their new
found knowledge through take home activities and by creating a public service
announcement on the importance of water conservation. There were about 35
students who participated in the Life Cycles club.
Origins of Food
From the fall of 2013 through the winter of 2014,
the sixty five students in kindergarten embarked on a learning journey to
understand the origins of food, how to cultivate food and the importance of
protecting the earth that provides them with food. The journey kicked off with
students preparing for and participating in the school's Sweet Potato
Festival. The little scientists started to investigate
the concept of "living things" and the conditions necessary
for life and growth. From there students visited a local farm where
students were able to benefit from place-based inquiry around the topics of
planting and harvesting. As students continued their studies back in the
classroom, they explored how their bodies benefit from what is harvested and
dug deeper into the necessary components for living and surviving. They
discussed how just as their bodies need good nutrition and care, so do plants
and crops.
FIRST GRADE
Art and Nature
As part of the Spring 2014 after school clubs, first
through third graders are taking part in an arts-integrated environmental
education club called Nature and Art: Learning about Natural History through
Fun Art. Students are learning about watersheds, worm composting, ecology
and more while making original works of art.
"Leaf"ing An Impression
In fall of 2013, first graders studied the science
of leaves. They discussed leaf parts, the reasons why leaves change
colors and examined the textures of leaves as well as the impressions they can
leave. Students did crayon rubbings to study the structure of leaves
and their artistic value.