What was your driving question?
What is a wetland and how do humans impact them?
Grades Involved
Grades 4 & 5
How did this project connect to your local or regional community?
Students learned about the importance of wetlands in our ecosystem and how to navigate challenging disagreements.
What PBE principles were highlighted in this project?
Learner-Centered, Local to Global, Interdisciplinary Approach, & Inquiry Based
Standards: List standards or competencies that the project addresses
We focused largely on ELA and art, I should have included more science.
Project Description
Our students were told they could no longer play in an area near the school because it was a wetland. They were frustrated and wanted to know more so we dove into learning what a wetland is and how humans can impact them. We met with a biologist, explored the area and took notes, created art on what we saw, and researched the life forms that live there and how humans impact them. We then presented to the local community with the recommendation that we can play in that area in the fall only before the snow covers it all.
How did this positively impact the community? How was it shared?
It helped our community learn about what a wetland truly is and was shared via a PowerPoint presentation to the public.
Reflection: What was the biggest challenge? What was the most rewarding aspect of this project?
The challenge was bringing in meaningful lessons as my first project but the reward was their enthusiasm for this topic!
Any advice for a teacher or student that is implementing a PBE project for the first time?
Sometimes it takes time to find the right project fit, but it will come on its own!
