Fifth Grade Environmental Program
Each June, fifth-graders participate in a week-long camp experience at the former East Boston Camp property on the Stony Brook Conservation Land. In addition to team-building, sports, and art activities, students continue their science education by learning about nature and the environment. In this way, the mission of the Living Lab is brought outdoors for a week of environmental education.
Nature Walk
Students learn to use a dichotomous key
to identify common woodland plants
on a nature walk.
to identify common woodland plants
on a nature walk.
Wind Turbines
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Students learn about renewable energy by designing their own wind turbine and then testing it to see how much electricity it can generate. They use the engineering design process to create, test, and improve the blades of their turbine. |
Shelter Building Pond Study
Using available natural materials,
students build shelters that they can fit inside! |
Students test water quality to determine the
health of Burge's Pond. Tests include temperature, pH, nitrates, phosphates, and dissolved oxygen. |
Water Filtration
The challenge is to take muddy water and make it clear. Students use the engineering design process to create, test, and improve water filters using natural materials like sand and gravel. Many passes through the filter usually does the trick!
Orienteering The Zip Line
Students use a clue sheet and
a compass to navigate a planned orienteering course. |
Everyone loves the zip line! Using determination and persistence, students climb a tree wearing a harness and then have the ride of their lives skimming along a cable into the water! A row boat awaits to take them back to shore.
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