GREEN SCHOOL OBJECTIVE I:
CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
OBJECTIVE 1A: ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE INSTRUCTION
Using Stream Life for Microscopic Observations - March 2013
Atholton staff and students are so lucky to have a beautiful stream right on school grounds. So when it came to finding specimens for observation under the microscope, Mrs. Weeks decided to take her fifth grade class down to the water to gather samples. There's nothing like getting the kids outside to observe the real thing!
Raising Monarchs in Math - 2012-2013
As a way to weave environmental instruction into math class, Mrs. Young put together an interdisciplinary unit on the Monarch butterfly. The students of her fifth grade math class raised the Monarchs from caterpillars. The caterpillars ate from potted Milkweed plants in the class, growing very fast! Once they had become adults, the butterflies were tagged, recorded and released. During math class, students used the Monarch's amazing migration as a platform for their Ratio/Proportion unit. To create a symbolic class Monarch to send to Mexico, they used Google Translate to come up with Spanish words for the proportioned glyphs that represented each of them. Students also used the computer lab to keep up on weekly updates regarding the migration status, pulling the math out of the updates.
As a way to weave environmental instruction into math class, Mrs. Young put together an interdisciplinary unit on the Monarch butterfly. The students of her fifth grade math class raised the Monarchs from caterpillars. The caterpillars ate from potted Milkweed plants in the class, growing very fast! Once they had become adults, the butterflies were tagged, recorded and released. During math class, students used the Monarch's amazing migration as a platform for their Ratio/Proportion unit. To create a symbolic class Monarch to send to Mexico, they used Google Translate to come up with Spanish words for the proportioned glyphs that represented each of them. Students also used the computer lab to keep up on weekly updates regarding the migration status, pulling the math out of the updates.
Little Students Learning About the BIG Picture - February 2013
They may be young in our RECC (Regional Early Childhood Center), but our Preschoolers are certainly not too young to learn about the amount of water that makes up our Earth. We know that if they start out young learning about our Earth, they will be more inclined to care about preserving it!
Trying Out Our New Class Set of Binoculars - January 2013
One of the presentations Green Ambassadors did this year was to introduce each class in the school to our new set of binoculars, which were purchased with funds from our Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant. Since we now have a great place for bird-watching, this class set of binoculars has already come in handy. What a great way to observe nature!
Learning the Importance of Habitat - January 2013
Mrs. Groman's third graders read about various animals and their precious habitats. They then applied their research by writing persuasive letters to promote awareness and understanding.
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A Class Set of Diagrams for a Class Set of Binoculars - January 2013
Jensen, a Green Ambassador, decided it would be best to have a class set of binocular diagrams, since we were getting ready to take each class out to try out our class set of binoculars. She took it upon herself to draw and label a set of binos, and once it was copied and laminated, we had a set of diagrams for the bucket of binos so each student would understand the parts of the binoculars. Great idea, Jensen!
Teaching Them Early - and Technologically! - December 2012
After watching a BrainPop video on recycling, kindergarten students got to drag items to a virtual recycling bin. Our tech teacher gets them thinking about recycling as soon as they enter AES!
Learning About Erosion by Analyzing Soil - October 09, 10, 11, 12
Each year second grade students analyze various types of soil in order to learn about the factors behind erosion. It's a "dirty" job, but someone has to do it!
A "Field Trip" to the Portable for a Monarch Lesson - October 2012
Though the fifth graders in Mrs. Young's math class were raising the Monarchs, all classes in the school were invited to come out to observe the Monarchs as they began making their chrysalises and turning into adult butterflies. Mrs. Young read each visiting class a Monarch book to show the cycle in text, and then they got to take a tour at the Monarch table to see the real thing! Below is a first grade class visit.
Water Pollution Topic for Common Core "Close" Reading - October 2012
Our teachers are always looking for ways to incorporate environmental learning into their instruction. The Common Core calls for reading practices that create a more in-depth look at the text for a deeper understanding. Fourth grade teacher, Ms. Byrnes, created her own materials to have her students doing Close Reading while using a leveled passage on water pollution. She also differentiated her tasks.
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School Grounds Report Card - April 2012, October 2012
As a means for understanding the connection between our own schoolyard and the health of the Bay, AES fifth graders and their teachers are piloting the county's newest science to examine the school grounds and evaluate various environmental factors. After the first year of the pilot, the science department decided it was more meaningful to have the on-site "field trip" during the fall so the students had the opportunity to act upon a potential problem found. Students learned a variety of concepts all in one great day! Both school years, it was found that erosion was causing a problem or two at AES, so a plan is now in the works!
The Bug Lady is Coming! May 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Each year, second graders get a supplement to their insect studies. The Bug Lady comes to share some wiggly, creepy, and crawly critters with our students. Talk about bringing a lesson to life!
Live Heron-Watching at AES - Spring 2012
Today's technology allows students to engage in amazing things. Cornell Lab of Ornithology's live Heron-Watching cam became the vehicle for many students and staff members to watch a mom and dad Great Blue Heron lay eggs, see them hatch, and then watch the baby Herons grow all the way into summer break. At any given time, you could catch school secretaries, our media specialist, multiple classroom teachers, and countless students following the saga of the Great Blue Heron once the news was spread!
Feeder-Watch Friends Observe, Research & Create - Spring 2012
Third grade Feeder-Watch Friends students enjoyed the use of our outdoor bird blind and classroom for getting outside to do some real birdwatching. After observing specific birds, students took to the computer lab and various bird books to do research in order to create an AES Birds book for future students to use in while birdwatching.
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Water Conservation in Technology Class - April 2012
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Atholton is lucky to have a Technology teacher who does all she can to incorporate environmental instruction into her lessons. Since she sees all students in the school, Mrs. Muir makes it a point to work with the Green STEM committee to provide technological instruction to the kids based on our current Green initiatives. During Water Conservation Week, kindergarten, first, and second grade students made door hangers with reminders on how to save water. Mrs. Muir also used her class time to show every student in the school the AES Water Conservation movie made by fifth graders. The students LOVED the video!
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Unique Sustainable Solutions - Beyond the 3Rs - March 10, 11, 12, 13
As fourth grade Chesapeake students learn about the concept of sustainability, they are assigned to do research at home to come up with ideas to reduce their carbon footprint. Ideas, however, must go beyond the obvious Reduce, Reuse & Recycle. Each year they find ways to come up with more unique solutions.
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Reaching Out to New York for Trash-Free Lunch Ideas - March 2012
Fourth grade Chesapeake students turned to a webinar for advice on trash-free lunches, as they were learning about sustainability. A school district in New York City had recently gone completely trayless, eliminating their use of Styrofoam. Through the webinar, they introduced their lunch "boats." This was fourth graders' first time participating in a webinar, so it was wonderful to watch them respond to listening to something live in the classroom. At the end, they got to ask questions that were answered on the spot.
Third Grade Earth-Tellers Use Nature for Storytelling - January 2012
Third grade Good Earth-Tellers used nature as a platform for learning the art of storytelling. By taking stories from Keepers of the Animals by Michael J. Caduto and Joseph Bruchac. The book's philosophy is that if stories can move people to feel a closer connection with the animals in nature, they will be more inclined to care for the Earth. A real storyteller from the Howard County Library even came out to help the young storytellers perfect their craft. Stories were performed for her in the outdoor classroom, an appropriate venue. Then the whole third grade got to hear this group's stories as well.
Working Together to Create "Hands of Nature" - December 2011
In a 6-day residency, Teaching Artist Carien Quiroga worked with 4th and 5th Grade students to create a metal, glass and ceramic mosaic mural to permanently hang on the face of the school. Artist Carien explained that this mural would "pay tribute to our beautiful planet while giving voice to our concerns for the environment." The residency integrated the art of metal embossing, glass and ceramic mosaic with science, symbolism and the writing process.
To create the design, Ms. Carien gave the kids the phrase "Earth's Voices" and had them write down ten or more words that fit the theme. Using the words, they wrote cinquain poems. The drawings students did the first day, along with their cinquains, were compiled together to create the drawing of the final piece. All of the ideas on the mural were student-generated. The sunburst cells tied into science - she taught them about the cells of an organism - this is where everything starts! They created these using a color scheme, warm, cool, analogous, etc. The tin pieces were created using aluminum tooling foil and created an embossed relief. They were used as the border of the mural. The ideas came from the words students wrote the first day. Most of the glass used was recycled glass, including the melted bottles. In the end, this was an amazingly beautiful creation, and we are proud that "Hands of Nature" hangs outside for all to admire and enjoy!
To create the design, Ms. Carien gave the kids the phrase "Earth's Voices" and had them write down ten or more words that fit the theme. Using the words, they wrote cinquain poems. The drawings students did the first day, along with their cinquains, were compiled together to create the drawing of the final piece. All of the ideas on the mural were student-generated. The sunburst cells tied into science - she taught them about the cells of an organism - this is where everything starts! They created these using a color scheme, warm, cool, analogous, etc. The tin pieces were created using aluminum tooling foil and created an embossed relief. They were used as the border of the mural. The ideas came from the words students wrote the first day. Most of the glass used was recycled glass, including the melted bottles. In the end, this was an amazingly beautiful creation, and we are proud that "Hands of Nature" hangs outside for all to admire and enjoy!
First Grade Reads and Writes for a Purpose - November 2011
Mrs. Byrnes, first grade teacher, had her first graders learning how to write letters. First she used differentiated books for reading groups based upon reducing, reusing and recycling. The students were then asked to write letters to different adults in the building to inform them about the importance of the 3Rs. See a few letters below:
Practicing What They Preach!
After Ms. Byrnes's first grade students had written letters about the 3Rs to adults throughout the school, it was time for them to try one of the Rs out themselves, REUSE! Students used snack bags to decorate picture frames. See lesson plan below.
| recycling_lesson_plan.docx |
Learning About the Birds for Every Class in the School - June 2011
Every student in the school had the chance to come outside during all of the AES Outdoor Classroom Construction Day excitement. Green Ambassadors did an amazing job educating the student body about the birds on our grounds. Sound effects were even used with the microphone so they could hear the birds.
Schedule of Presentations
Research & Creating for Construction Day Presentations - June 2011
Part of the plan for AES Outdoor Classroom Construction Day was to have the fifth grade Green Ambassadors present to every class in the school as they cycled through during the course of the day. What would they present to each class? The BIRDS, of course! Green Ambassadors prepared by researching birds that would be found on the grounds of AES. Then it was time to get artistic; they created posters based upon their birds. When they were done, they were ready for multiple audiences.
Second Grade Wonders What is Happening on School Grounds - June 2011
It was almost AES Outdoor Classroom Construction Day. But there were still a few more days for the kids to predict what was going on out on location. Here are some of our second graders' ideas:
Preschoolers Learn They Can Reuse to Make Beautiful Art - May 2011
Check out our preschoolers' beautiful artwork made with reused water bottles. We teach em' young!
An Opportunity for First Graders to Practice Writing - May 2011
Since being Green is something all students can understand, it makes for a great topic to get first graders writing. It's obvious our first graders are already stewards of the Earth!
Second Grade Energy Conservation Week Writing - April 2011
After second graders were introduced to the site of our future outdoor classroom during Energy Conservation Week, they reflected on what it meant to them to have an outdoor space for learning.
Fifth Grade Writing - Native Plants Persuasive Writing - March 2011
Using environmental issues as a vehicle for teaching writing is the way to go! Mrs. Weeks reinforced the benefits of planting native plants by sharing information about Atholton's native habitat garden and then immersing the students in persuasive writing. In the end, the students understood the value of a native garden as well as how to write to persuade.
How do Humans Affect Our Watershed? - Feb. 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
As part of our hands-on science curriculum, fifth grade students demonstrated, analyzed, and wrote about the effect that various substances and conditions can have on our watershed. It was a real eye-opener.
"Whoooooo" Knows About Food Chains and Erosion? Feb. 10, 11, 12, 13
More hands-on science - this time for fourth graders. Students got a first-hand glimpse at a food chain, as they dissected owl pellets to understand the various levels of animal consumers within an ecosystem. Then it was onto erosion. Students simulate water flow over various natural resources to understand the best scenario for erosion reduction.
Native Materpieces in Art Class - February 2011, 2012, 2013
When the 4th graders
entered the art room, they were asked by Mrs. Stewart to define social justice.
After much discussion, they came up with “setting goals in order to do the right
thing for the community." Since we
are a MD Green School, the students engaged in many discussions about the native
garden here at AES. With help from Mrs. Young’s native plants Powerpoint presentation, the
students learned about native plants in Maryland and the vast array of wildlife that depends upon
the plants. The artists learned
how to draw the plants from observation, show repetition by repeating lines and
shapes, and use watercolor to replicate the natural shading in the
environment. The students finished
off the project with a clear overlay that showed a few of the wildlife species
that depend on the native plants.
When the overlay is lifted, the question is asked…. How would the
wildlife survive without the native plants and vice versa? This turned out to be a wonderful
collaborative project in which our fourth graders learned to appreciate the
environment around them and that listening, understanding, and acting can make a
difference!
Going to Bayville - January 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Fifth grade science students learned about the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants. After learning about the different types of water found in the Bay, they went to the computer lab and accessed Bayville to find out how different plants and animals are important to the Bay ecosystem. (Written by M.A.)
For the Birds! - December 2010
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Kindergarteners used a special part of nature as a vehicle for learning to read directions - the birds! After reading how to make a pine cone feeder for winter birds who have limited access to food, students followed directions to make the feeders.
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Save Our Oceans - December 2009, 2010
Fifth grade Oceanography C.E.U. students spent many weeks learning about the value of Earth's ocean systems. They were required to create games based on researched ocean concepts, including threats to our oceans and ways that humans can have a positive impact on our oceans. All fifth graders enjoyed playing the games, and they all walked away learning something about caring for our oceans.
Don't Pollute! - November 2010
For a Social Studies extension project, second grade students made posters to identify types of pollution and to make members of the community more aware of pollution.
We Are Thankful... - November 2010
Knowing a plan was in the works to have the children learning outside more often, kindergarten students used Thanksgiving as a platform for discussing how grateful they were about nature and then put crayons to paper to explain in writing.
How Does an Aquifer Work? - November 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Fifth grade students experimented with various materials to simulate an aquifer and the effect it has when pollution seeps into groundwater. Our students experienced hands-on learning to recognize that with pollution there is always a consequence, so intervention is necessary.
NOAA - The Importance of Plankton - November 2010
Fifth grade Oceanography CEU students were visited by Mr. O'Brien, NOAA Plankton Biologist, to learn the global importance of plankton in our oceans. Students watched a dynamic Powerpoint presentation put together by Mr. O'Brien, which ended with the Horizon Oil Spill photo, prompting a discussion about the impact that humans have on our oceans and our environment. They also got to examine plankton and learn how samples are taken, as well as just how much plankton can exist in one square yard of ocean.
Young Problem-Solvers - October 2010, 2011, 2012
Second grade students learned of the erosion problem occurring on Atholton's grounds during science. After being instructed on the options for helping to alleviate the problem, students put pencil to paper and explained the solution they believed to be the best choice. In a time when it is crucial for our children to become environmental problem-solvers, it is great to see the work of these second grade students!
Sending Monarchs to Mexico - October 2010, 2011
Second graders are learning about the amazing journey that the Monarch makes in order to winter in Mexico. Through Journey North, a citizen scientist organization, these students are sending a symbolic Monarch butterfly to school children in Mexico and will receive a Monarch back in the spring from another part of the country. Learning about Monarchs teaches second graders the concept of migration, as well as the importance of preservation of the Monarch's precious roosting sites in Mexico, which have been in danger of being destroyed. Here, one of multiple groups of students holds up its butterfly, which represents the group through thumbprint art they each created of themselves, before it heads south.
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A Message Attached to Our Ambassador Butterfly
Our Monarchs Made it to Mexico!
Life Cycle vs. Annual Cycle
Before sending their symbolic Monarch to Mexico, it was important for second graders to understand the Monarch's life cycle, as well as its annual cycle. This allowed them to understand why we were sending our beautifully crafted symbolic Monarchs to Mexico to be "cared for" during the winter.
Getting Answers From a Monarch Scientist
Second grade Monarch students get a chance in the spring to ask a real Monarch scientist three questions they are wondering about the amazing Monarch. See a sample of Atholton's questions and answers below.
Planting Bulbs - October 2010
Preschoolers got a hands-on lesson while planting bulbs outside their classroom. You could see their minds taking it all in as they underwent the experience of getting to dig in the soil. A few worms were found along the way, too! Fifth grade Green Ambassadors assisted the little ones as they planted their bulbs.
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Green Ambassadors - Our Driving Green Force! 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
One of the main reasons Atholton has been able to continue with its green momentum is that our fifth grade Green Ambassadors are FANTASTIC! Students who apply to become Green Ambassadors meet once a week during recess for the entire school year to learn about and brainstorm green initiatives to carry out. Green Ambassadors work in small groups, assigned to specific classrooms for the entire year. They keep a communication log with the teachers of their assigned classes, in order to make appointments to present to their classes. During recess, they plan their presentations, and they present during a time that has been coordinated with the teacher. This has been a great way to get our green messages out in a school-wide manner, and it allows fifth graders the chance to work as professionals, learning new things, communicating in writing, coordinating appointments, and presenting. All the while, positive relationships are built between Green Ambassadors and the classes they represent.
Writing for a Purpose
Green Ambassadors must use their writing skills to communicate on a regular basis with their assigned teachers. Communication Logs are the perfect chance for these kids to practice their writing skills. They also use their writing talents to compose skits for the morning announcements so the entire student body is informed of our latest school-wide initiatives. See an example of a skit on the BMPs tab.
Learning in Order to Teach Others
Green Ambassadors don't mess around during their assigned day to come in for recess! They have to learn new things to present to the classes they represent. They take careful notes of what is being taught so they are better able to present it to their audiences with confidence. From presentation skills to different bird feeder types, Green Ambassadors take in a lot of new information voluntarily so they can present it.
Students Teaching Teachers - October 2010
At Atholton, the fifth grade Green Ambassadors are in charge of this Green School portfolio. To put information on the portfolio website, PDFs of examples of student work must be created to show that we are being green in our learning. To do this, Green Ambassadors are showing the teachers of Atholton how to use a thumb drive - we call it the "Green Thumb" - to make PDFs. The ambassadors realize the value in going green with an electronic portfolio, rather than filling binders with paper and plastic page protectors.
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Using the Environment for Differentiation - May 2010
Fifth graders needing enrichment during their science class got to research climate change to come up with an interactive bulletin board for the student body to use for awareness and learning. It turned out great!
Understanding Riparian Buffers First-Hand - April 2010, 2011
After learning about the impact humans have on the Chesapeake Bay, every fifth grader participated in a riparian buffer tree-planting experience. This meaningful watershed experience was an extension of learning AND community service all wrapped up in one exciting day!
Learning the Value of Bay Grasses - February 2010, 2011, 2012
For five years in a row, Fourth grade Treasure the Chesapeake curriculum extension unit students have had the experience of raising Bay grasses in their classroom. After learning the importance of the presence of the grasses in Bay waters, students have spent a day preparing a simulated habitat in the classroom for the grasses and planting the seeds, which have successfully grown each year, in preparation for planting.
Sensible Solutions: Chesapeake Bay - May 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Each year, fourth grade participants of the Treasure the Chesapeake curriculum extension unit learn about multiple aspects of the Chesapeake Bay, particularly related to the environmental factors that threaten this invaluable resource. After researching specific chosen issues, students propose a solution, present it in essay format, and provide a model of the their solution as well. These projects are presented to the group, as well as at the enrichment fair at the end of the school year. Creative thinkers at their BEST!
Hands-On Life-Cycle Learning in 2nd Grade - May 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Each spring, second graders get to raise real Painted Lady caterpillars in the classroom - they're first look at the miraculous metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly. Weeks later, they go out to Atholton's native habitat garden and release them to live their lives as adult butterflies. (See Celebrations)
Earth Day Reflections by First Graders - April 2010
During Earth Day Week, first graders use the Earth for a writing opportunity, thinking about what they can do to help the environment.
Nature Walks & Camping with Mrs. Shaw - 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Mrs. Shaw loves nature, and any chance she gets, she takes her first and second grade students outside to observe the changes and miracles in nature. During her insect study, Mrs. Shaw has her students go out on a "hike" to search for different bugs. Her class spends an entire week "camping" in her classroom, understanding the importance of getting outside to enjoy nature. The kids LOVE the values she is instilling. No child left inside!
Hands-On Chesapeake Watershed 101 - February 2010 & 2013
What better way to understand the geography of a watershed than to mold one with clay? Fourth grade Treasure the Chesapeake CEU students used clay to create various land features of a watershed. Then it was time to use different materials to represent the impact humans have on a watershed. For each of the impacts, students were to come up with an icon to represent it. These icons were posted in the watershed using toothpicks.
AES Planting Day: A Day to Plant and to LEARN! - April 24, 2009
One of the most magical things about AES Planting Day was watching students teaching students. Fifth Grade Habitat Helper instructional seminar students researched the native plants chosen for the garden, and then they took turns teaching every class in the school about the benefits of the native plants. They also presented each of the plants they drew and displayed, educating the student body on the value of each particular plant. It was truly a day for meaningful learning!
Planting Day Presentation Schedule
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OBJECTIVE 1B: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Chesapeake Watershed Initiative - February 2013
Fifth grade teacher, Heather Weeks loves to learn about the Bay! She spent a recent weekend hanging out with other educators who find the Bay an important topic for professional development. This workshop was held by the Sultana Group, in cooperation with NOAA. It was entitled "Chesapeake Watershed Initiative" and was held at UMBC. Participants were taken from the early days of the watershed (in Captain John Smith's day) to today through the use of maps and powerpoints. Mrs. Weeks examined the human impact on the watershed, which is one of the major concepts she teaches in fifth grade science. Agenda below.
| agenda_for_2-9-13.docx |
Incorporating Environmental Learning in Instruction PD - February 2013
Because we know the essence of being a MD Green School is to teach through the environment, the Green STEM Team came up with the idea to have a rep from each grade level present an Atholton-made Powerpoint based upon the importance and the benefits of using the environment as a platform for instruction. Once the powerpoint was created, Mrs. Grabow and Mrs. Muir presented it to the Green STEM committee so committee members could serve as the reps/presenters for each team. Both AES administrators attended and were thrilled about our environmental instruction commitment.
All grade-level team members took a planning meeting to show the powerpoint and to record ideas right onto the Google presentation, based upon what they have been doing and what they could still consider doing to teach in a Green way. All team teachers and paraeducators from RECC through fifth grade, including the Related Arts team, participated in the Professional Development. (Powerpoint below)
| incorp_environ_pd_presentation.pdf |
Learning Technology for Green School PD Purposes - January 2013
Sometimes in order to provide PD, one has to first RECEIVE PD. In preparation for presenting a Green School PD to the Green STEM team, Mrs. Grabow, third grade teacher, received training from Mrs. Muir, our tech teacher, on Google Apps for Educators. We try hard to combine technology with our Green School initiatives.
Teacher of the Year Retreat - Port Isobel/Tangier Island - October 2012
As Howard County's Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Young was invited to an amazing Chesapeake Bay Foundation educator retreat, sponsored by Northrop Gruman. She and Maryland's other Teachers of the Year spent three days on Port Isobel and Tangier Island learning the ways of the Bay, particularly from the perspective of a Chesapeake waterman. The hands-on activities and lessons were life-changing. Mrs. Young will never forget her time in the Bay, gaining a new sense of place, as well as greater insight related to the instruction she provides each year related to the Chesapeake Bay. A trip of a lifetime!
AES Provides Green School PD for HCPSS Schools - October 2012
In an effort to spread our Green expertise, Atholton was asked to provide professional development for interested schools to better understand how to successfully become and stay a MD Green School. Mrs. Stewart, our art teacher, Mrs. Weeks, fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Garnett, fourth grade paraeducator, and Mrs. Young, our GT Resource teacher put together a presentation that covered all aspects of our Green School. The presentation was followed by a tour of our school grounds so participants could get a clearer picture of implementation. Many schools attended, as well as the elementary science coordinator.
A Sample of the Green School Workshop Powerpoint:
Solid Waste Reduction PD for AES Staff - October 2012
Over the summer, fourth grade paraeducator, Barbara Garnett came up with a brilliant idea. In order for staff members to understand her new way of collecting various lunch waste items, Barbara provided PD at a Green STEM meeting so we would all understand how her amazing system worked.
Penn State - Dive Deeper Water Quality Summit - October 2012
Fourth grade teacher, Ms. Eckert, and GT Teacher, Mrs. Young took a day in October to head north to Pennsylvania to attend a water quality summit, where they learned new and interesting things about our water supply, as well as what it means to incorporate environmental instruction and citizen science.
| dive_deeper_brochure.pdf |
School Grounds Report Card Teacher Training - October 2012
Since fifth grade teachers are responsible for guiding science students around the schoolyard to conduct a study on various aspects related to the health of the Bay, we are lucky we have Mrs. Weeks to show us how it is done! Fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Weeks, is one of 16 elementary teachers in Howard County to be participating in an ongoing cohort to understand and present new elementary science curriculum. For this reason, AES became a pilot school in 2011 to run the fifth grade school grounds report card project. With Mrs. Weeks' expertise, fifth grade teachers, Mrs. Burkhalter and Mrs. Song, as well as fifth grade Paraeducator Mrs. Haugh were prepared to point out specific things to the students related to environmental health in our schoolyard. Below are pictures from their training session.
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Using Nature for Smartscope Training - October 2012
What better subject to use under our digital microscope than a live Monarch caterpillar? Our tech teacher, Mrs. Muir, trained staff on the Smartscope so we can use is to better examine our finds in nature. With this device, the digital image can be captured on the computer as well, making it a great tool for instruction.
Green School Webinar - September 2012
As another mode for learning how to connect with various agencies for keeping our Green momentum going, third grade teacher, Mrs. Grabow, and GT Teacher, Mrs. Young decided to participate in the MAEOE/NWF Green School webinar to get new ideas.
Maryland State Environmental Literacy Summit - August 2012
What an honor it was to help represent Howard County at the Environmental Literacy Summit during the summer of 2012 at Rocky Gap in Western Maryland. Mrs. Young flew back east during a family vacation out west in order to participate in getting Howard County's plan together for incorporating the new Maryland Environmental Literacy Standards. Five days of meaningful workshops provided Mrs. Young with so much new information and countless creative ideas to take back to her county. Presenters were from multiple areas of environmental fields. Mrs. Young's favorite presenter, however, was a teacher/administrator from a small school in Western Maryland. This amazing lady completely turned her school, Crellin Elementary, around through environmental instruction and initiatives. She mobilized her community and changed the perception of her school in this small mining town. During Mrs. Young's Teacher of the Year interview with MSDE, she spoke of the amazing story she heard during this Summit. In fact, Mrs. Young's platform for her speech to the state was incorporating environmental learning into new Common Core Curriculum!
Wind Energy for Teachers Workshop - Towson University - February 2012
Fourth grade teacher, Jen Eckert, and Kindergarten teacher, Nina Martin spent the day together attending the Wind Energy for Teachers Workshop, held at Towson University. They each earned seven contact hours of KindWind training.
Fourth grade teacher, Jen Eckert, and Kindergarten teacher, Nina Martin spent the day together attending the Wind Energy for Teachers Workshop, held at Towson University. They each earned seven contact hours of KindWind training.
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Robinson Nature Center's Educator Open House - January 2012
First grade Paraeducator, Mrs. Sehman, is the person to coordinate and book field trips for the first grade team. Knowing this, she decided to attend the newly built Robinson Nature Center's Educator Open House to learn about its offerings. While there, Mrs. Sehman got to experience the exhibits, the discovery room and the NatureSphere planetarium. She was also able to get questions about field trips answered and receive the field trip brochure and field trip registration forms. Since the Open House, Mrs. Sehman has booked two first grade field trips to the Robinson Nature Center. Thanks for your dedication, Mrs. Sehman!
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Using Environmental Issue Instruction for Teacher Leadership - May 2011
Preschool teacher, Dawn Marinec, was obtaining her Master's degree in Administration. During her internship, she chose to create an environmental education brochure and presentation for Atholton staff. She presented her research on the effects of environmental instruction and outdoor learning to the AES Green Team, and she gave her beautifully created brochure to every staff member.
Real-World Science/Green School Connections PD - Oct.-Dec. 2010
Between October and December, every grade-level teacher in the school, both administrators, as well as Green Team members attended a professional development session to connect science curriculum with Green School learning by using Atholton's schoolyard as an extension of the indoor classroom to point out meaningful real-world examples of science objectives. Mrs. Amy Reese, Howard County's Elementary Science Resource Teacher spoke at every grade's session, and then it was time to tie specific objectives to Atholton's schoolyard. All teachers walked away with ideas and custom-made teaching materials to use.
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Exposure to Instructional Opportunities - October 2010
Mrs. Young attended the 2010 National Science & Engineering Festival in Washington DC for the exposure to various instructional opportunities. While there, she gathered information on green-built houses and participated in building an appropriate boom to collect the most oil during an oil spill.
Learning How to Tag a Monarch - September 2010
The Howard County Conservancy offered a workshop for teachers to learn how to catch and handle a Monarch butterfly in order to help with tracking their amazing journey as they head south to Mexico. Fourth grade teacher Lisa Johnson (and baby) attended this workshop.
Using the Environment for "Quality Instruction" P.D. - April 2010
As part of Atholton's School Improvement Plan, AES staff was provided with professional development based on high leverage strategies for instruction. Each staff member attended two break-out sessions featuring two different hands-on, engaging strategies for getting students to learn. Mrs. Young used the environment as a platform for both of the sessions she ran. The Send-a-Problem strategy centered around three BMP issues specific to the school, while the Mix-and-Match strategy got participants moving while learning about the native plants specific to Atholton's native garden. Marion Miller, Director of Elementary Programs, even attended!
Understanding the Planting of a Riparian Buffer - February 2010
Fifth grade science teacher, Heather Weeks, attended the elementary science PD workshop on riparian buffers in preparation for taking the entire grade on a field trip to plant trees for the county. Each teacher was provided with Ned Tillman's book, The Chesapeake Watershed.
OBJECTIVE 1C: CELEBRATION
"Last-Wednesday-of-the-Month Green PJ Day" - 2013
As an way to pump additional momentum into our Green culture at Atholton, Green STEM committee members came up with the idea to have one special Wastefree Wednesday each month, on which flannel AES Greenwear PJs would be worn. Who wouldn't want to come to school in his or her PJs???!!!
Greenwear Sale - New PJs for Wastefree Wed. PJ Day - November 2012
Each year, Atholton holds its AES Greenwear sale, which typically includes one or two other wastefree products, such as the Flip and Tumble reusable bags. This year, the Green STEM Team decided to include a new clothing item - flannel green PJs, so they could be worn on "Last Wednesday-of-the-Month Green PJ Day!" Many AES families and staff members don AES Greenwear from multiple years on any given day!
Sending Them Off to Mexico - Monarch Release - October 2012
Once our Monarchs emerged as adults, we observed them in the classroom for a day or two, but then it was time to tag them and send them on their way to Mexico. Each Monarch was logged by its tag through the Monarch Watch program and then released to make its amazing migratory journey. Fourth & fifth graders got to release the Monarchs. During one of the fourth grade releases, one of the other Monarchs emerged from its chrysalis right before our very eyes! Watch the video below - A TRUE celebration!
"Hands of Nature" - The Great Unveiling - December 2011
It was finally time to unveil the masterpiece that would forever adorn the face of Atholton! What a rewarding celebration! Our amazing artist in residence spoke of the process and of student cooperation and achievement. We are so thankful to have opportunities to show our commitment to the Earth through the arts! "Hands of Nature" is something to celebrate!
AES Celebrates Being Green by "Getting Their Green On" - October 2011
Green on Wednesdays has been Atholton's culture for six straight years. Every year we add more options for our Greenwear selections. Spreading the spirit throughout the school and the community is all about getting our green on!
Green Ambassadors Recognized for Accomplishments - June 2011
Atholton's fifth grade Green Ambassadors were recognized to show appreciation for all they accomplished during the 2010-2011 school year. They dedicated themselves to the task of driving the "green momentum" at A.E.S., and they did it so well! Thank you, Green Ambassadors, for giving it your all, and making sure our school is on the cutting edge when it comes to being GREEN! Please take your efforts with you to your future middle schools so your positive influence will carry on throughout the community!
AES No Child Left Inside Outdoor Classroom Construction Day - June 2011
Once again, magic was in the air at Atholton! After several terrible weather days, June 3rd, our long-planned Outdoor Classroom Construction Day was amazingly beautiful. It was the cooperation between our business partners, the parent and community volunteers, and the amazing AES staff that made our outdoor classroom dream come true. All groups worked in unison to make something amazing happen. All the while, students cycled through to sit on a platform adjacent to the construction area to watch presentations on birds native the Atholton region presented by AES Green Ambassadors. NO CHILD WAS LEFT INSIDE! It was a day to remember for years to come - resulting in a new outdoor place to learn.
Native Artwork at The Columbia Mall Show - April 2011, 2012, 2013
Unique to Atholton's art program, fourth grade native plant study artwork is now displayed each year at The Mall in Columbia HCPSS Art Show. We are proud of how we integrate science and environmental learning with the arts!
Green T-Shirts Staff Logo Contest & Greenwear Sale - February 2011
What would the logo look like for the 2010-2011 Greenwear? Leave it to the creativity of Atholton's staff to come up with artistically creative design ideas! What a talented staff we have! Students voted on their favorite AES staff-created logo, and wouldn't you know it - Mrs. Stewart, Atholton's amazing art teacher took the prize. We love our new shirt design! Not only does AES Greenwear spread the Green spirit in our school and community, staff and students wear their Greenwear every week for Waste-Free Wednesday, and the sale serves as a fundraiser to obtain funds for our Green School initiatives. During this sale, we also sold Flip and Tumble reusable bags, as well as Lunch Skins reusable sandwich and snack bags, which you will find being used throughout our cafeteria.
Once the slogan and logo were voted and decided upon, it was time for another successful Greenwear sale, which also included Flip n' Tumble reusable shopping bags and Lunchskins reusable sandwich and snack bags. AES has been very successful in spreading its Green culture while raising funds for our green school.
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Below are the slogans thought up by AES staff members for voting:
| slogan_choices_2011.doc |
Caring for Our Feathered Friends - December 2010
After learning how to make a pine cone feeder - and why it is important to supply food for birds in the winter - kindergarten students went to the front of the school to hang their tasty treasures!
America Recycles Day - November 2010, 2011, 2012
On November 15, kids all around America celebrated recycling. For the past three school years, at our school, kids have celebrated, too, by creating and displaying sculptures made from recycled materials. We have had anything from ants to giant robots. These sculptures get displayed all through the week in the front hallway. Each participant received a certificate stating that she or he participated. This is always an exciting and creative event at our school! (Written by G.S.)
Student Artwork Logo Contest for AES Greenwear - February 2010
The AES Green Team decided it was time for a new Greenwear shirt logo, and what better artists to turn to than our creative students? A school-wide contest took place. In each classroom, one design was voted upon. The winning logo from each classroom went on display for all to see. Each class came to the display board and voted on one logo. When all votes were counted, Ashley H. was the winning artist. (See #7 on the bulletin board.) Her design was printed on Greenwear shirts, and our sale was a huge success!
Energy Conservation T-Shirt Slogan/Logo Contest - January 2010
Below you will find the document that served as the notice and plan for our 2009-2010 Greenwear slogan and logo contest. One went out to staff, and the other was for AES families.
| aes_energy_contest_2_10.doc |
| aes_energy_contest_parents.doc |
Once the slogan and logo were voted upon and determined, it was time for our actual sale. In addition to new Greenwear styles, the reusable Wrap n' Mat was offered for sale as well.
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Green School Celebration - September 2009
When the Superintendent of Schools and the County Executive recognized Atholton as a newly certified MD Green School, we KNEW it was official! What a lovely celebration at the Howard County Conservancy.
Spreading the Spirit Throughout the School - 2009-2013
When walking through the halls of Atholton, there is no mistaking we are a Green School. It shows on many of our bulletin boards that line our hallways.
Displaying Green Pride at the Mall in Columbia - September 2009
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After being recognized at the Howard County Conservancy as an official MD Green School, it was time to show our Green pride at the Mall in Columbia. What a great way to show the community some of the ways we are all contributing to make our schools much greener places to learn! It was a great way to share ideas
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AES Green School Celebration Picnic - June 2009
With so much to be proud of, it was an evening to celebrate and recognize all those community members involved in helping Atholton to become certified as a MD Green School. It was also a time to officially open our newly constructed native garden and teaching patio with an official ribbon cutting ceremony involving our County Executive, Ken Ulman. Families came out to celebrate and enjoy a wast-free dinner prepared by AES Green Dads! A tray-washing brigade took place on the school lawn to keep from creating additional trash. And our beautiful Green School application was on display for all to admire. Below is the event plan.
| gs_celebr_picnic_plan.doc |
Showcasing Nature Learning - Excellence Night 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Each May, Atholton hosts its annual Excellence Night, where students can be found showcasing their environmental instructional seminar and curriculum extension unit work. Pride is surely in the air!
Maryland Green School Certification Ceremony - May 2009
It became official that Atholton was a MD Green School in May of 2009! The administrator, some Green Team parents, Mrs. Young, Mr. Gaither, and of course our awesome students represented AES at the ceremony.
Releasing Trout! - May 2009
After spending the season raising trout through Trout in the Classrooms, it was finally time for the release! Our fifth grade Trout Keepers took a three-minute bus ride right around the bend to the Middle Patuxent River to release trout and to learn the basics of fly fishing. Our hearts are still with our Trout in the Classroom leader, Mr. Whittman - May he rest in peace and wade free amongst a river full of Rainbows.
Spring Butterfly Release - May 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Each year, second grade students get the learn about and witness the miracle of the life cycle of a butterfly. Each class raises Painted Lady caterpillars, learning all about the metamorphosis. Once the butterflies emerge, a very exciting event occurs - the big RELEASE! Fly free, butterflies!
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AES PLANTING DAY!!! - April 24, 2009
It was a magical day at Atholton. Not only did we find out THAT morning we had become a certified MD Green School for the first time, it was also our day to come together as a community to plant our Native Garden! A year's worth of planning finally came to fruition, as all students and staff in the entire school, in addition to multiple parents and Garden Gate Landscaping employees, took part in Planting Day. Native plant presentations done by 5th grade Habitat Helpers went on while students took turns planting. The fifth grade gift of a native tree, a beautiful Redbud, was also planted that day on the other side of the schoolyard. The Baltimore evening news even came to AES to cover our amazing event! It was such a day to celebrate and remember!
Earth Day Conservation Posters - April 2009
Prior to Earth Day Week, students were given environmental awareness topics, poster paper, and time in class to create a poster to display during Earth Day Week. The variety of posters was amazing. AES students get what conservation means!
