Learning about the Environment

At RMS, we recognize the value of teaching students about ecology and the environment. According to the NDF (2013), “teaching young children about ecology and the environment will offer them lessons that will last them a lifetime. If children learn to respect and care for the world they live in and the organisms within it from a young age, they will help to preserve it for the next generation. The goal is that they will become advocates for protecting nature.”

Recently Grade 3 students at the Academy Campus learned how to germinate kidney bean seeds as part of an application task of a Plant’s Life cycle. Students soaked bean seeds and placed them in clear plastic bags containing wet paper towels. The bags were all hung on the classroom window which brings in a lot of bright sunlight. After two weeks of patient waiting, watering and nurturing their seeds, the students finally had a chance to take a first look at their seeds. Seen here in the video are a very delighted class of students unwrapping their seed surprises and placing them in soil.

A few weeks later, the Grade 3 students were absolutely ecstatic to find their bean plants bearing fruit! The weather might be cold outside, but Grade 3 is keeping warm and nurturing their kidney bean plants to perfection! Click here for more ideas on how to engage your child and them him or her about the environment. Some of the ideas include creating a wildlife area, sponsoring an animal, playing games and reading books that teach about wildlife and the environment, or encouraging your child to write about their favourite animal or plant.

Source: Children Learning about Ecology and the Environment