Mrs. Ford's Friends: Project-Based Learning: Habitats!

This week our students started a brand new project on habitats! As we strive to dream big, reimagine the educational experience, and increase student engagement, we are participating in a PBL (Project Based Learning) unit. This incorporates peers, passion, and play into a culminating project. We are off for our next big adventure for the next few weeks!

Starting this week, the entire second grade began an exploration of various habitats. Mrs. Sabatini, Topsfield Math and Science Curriculum Specialist, has created a cross-curricular unit that integrates reading, writing, science, geography and math while also aligning with the common core standards. Students will work together as a team of park rangers to explore, learn, and become experts on their particular habitat. This unit will also incorporate social emotional learning as we emphasize collaboration, flexibility, perseverance, and communication skills.

Throughout the week we have been reading and researching using nonfiction books and working collaboratively to design and transform our classroom. Each habitat group designed their own park ranger jeeps to create vehicles on the front of their desks. Students have been learning a lot about what a habitat is and why it is so important for plants and animals who live there.

Ask your child what habitat they are studying and what their assigned 'role' is! Here are some photos from the week: