Middle School Environmental Science
Ms. Koon and Ms. Muhammad are your environmental science teachers, please find their information for their classes listed below:
Elementary Summer Reading list K-4th grade
KindergartenHint: Reading early doesn’t mean reading better! Take your time and savor the world of picture books. Here's a list of books to get started:
First GradeHint: Turn on the closed-captioning feature of your television set to expose your child to sight-word vocabulary, even when you aren’t reading from books.
Second GradeHint: A mix of picture books and short chapter books will help keep your new reader feeling confident!
Third GradeHint: Don’t fear series books! Most lifelong readers have these on their reading menu as children.
Fourth GradeHint: Big kids have vistas that are expanding; give them historical fiction to imagine the past, and fantasy to imagine the future.
Links for Environmental Website & Experiments for kids K-4th grade ( To do over the summer)
SUPPLY LIST: (one item)
ALL STUDENTS WILL NEED AN SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE NOTEBOOK & Pencils for taking notes!
Middle School: Ms. Koon
SUMMER READING (2015)
BOOKS
5-6th
Operation Redwood by S Terrell French
The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt
6-7th
Frightful’s Mountain by Jean Craighead George
The Missing Gator of Gumbo Limbo by Jean Craighead George
7-8th
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
The Talking Earth by Jean Craighead George
END OF YEAR ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMARY 2015
TECHNOLOGY
Technology was used in the presentation of group assignments. Many students used Power Point presentations; all students used technology in their research of their topics.
used technology through websites (weather channel, c-span, NASA, EPA, etc…), National Geographic shorts and documentaries. I also brought in educational themed movies, the Lorax, the Silencing of the Bees and Meerkat Manor.
ENVIRONMENTAL
RECYCLE, REDUCE, RECYCLE AND SUSTAINABILITY
5TH Grade overview of current environmental issues; what they are, how they affect us and the environmental impact that they have in our community. They used egg cartons as plant starters and compost from the schools compost area. We discussed how agricultural waste and solid waste is handled here in Georgia. We also briefly discussed upcycling and repurposing home and school items.
6TH Grade learned about Waste Management and the cost of getting rid of it. They learned about the movement of household waste and the waste that leaves our school. We also briefly discussed upcycling and repurposing home and school items.
7TH Grade learned about Population and community, Read “China’s One Child Policy” and discussed the reasons and implications on their future population. Created concept maps on things important in populations and wrote articles about one of the items. Discussed resources use, creation and disposal with 7 billion plus people on the planet.
8TH Grade Watched the movie “A Place at the Table”, discussed the problem of food insecurity among children and adults in the United States. Learned about food production, how it travels and how the process can be handled more sustainably.
NATURAL DISASTERS & GLOBAL WARMING
5TH Grade learned about the difference between weather and climate, how and where weather is created. They learned the difference between a weather watch and a weather warning, and what they should do in preparation. Reviewed how to read a thermometer and conducted several weather instrument experiments.
6TH Grade began by learning about what happens to waste created by weather/ natural disasters and what types of waste might be created in certain disasters. They then focused on how a tornado is formed and the scale (Fujita) used to measure it. They learned where “tornado alley” is and the states that it encompasses. We looked at the current natural disasters occurring in the U.S. and the impact they have on the entire United States.
7TH Grade learned about Climate Change and its impact on weather here and globally by studying the impact of rising seas due to climate change by investigating the impact it has had in the Maldives. We then focused on how Hurricanes are formed and the scale (Saffir-Simpson) used to measure them. They learned how and why they are named and how hurricanes and cyclones are alike. They discussed tropical storms and how they get elevated to hurricanes.
8TH Grade focused on weather patterns, longitude & latitude weather events and how weather is being affected by global warming. Discussed preparations for natural disasters in Georgia, what to pack as a kid, where in the house and at school might be safe and what to do if you are outside when bad weather occurs.
ENERGY, POWER AND WATER
All grades studied renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. We did around the campus wind and solar demonstrations and in-class clocks powered by potatoes, lemons and apples. Each grade was assigned group projects on a renewable or non-renewable energy source to present to their class.
5TH and 6TH Grades built Pie Plate Wind Makers in order to understand how wind is created.
7TH Grade learned about hydropower and ocean energy. They built a small hydroponic container and learned how to maintain it and foods that can be grown in it.
8TH Grade students designed and built their concept of the “Future of Aquaponics”. They studied the schools system and designed one that they thought would be affordable to all households.
ROCKS, MINERALS & EROSION
5TH & 6th Grade focused on the Grand Canyon, how it was formed, current native population in the area and planning a vacation for their families.
7TH Grade focused on the native people of Arizona, how they function in a desert environment and how they use natural rocks and minerals in the area.
ANIMALS, INSECTS & HABITATS
All grades studied an endangered species and its habits & habitats. They also studied why the species is endangered and what we can do to help save them.
5TH Grade students chose an endangered species, researched it, built a diorama of its habitat and presented it to their classmates. They also studied the Black Bear.
6TH Grade studied the Grey wolf and students chose an endangered species, researched it, built a diorama of its habitat and presented it to their classmates.
7TH Grade studied the Meerkat family groups, habitat and genealogy.
8th Grade studied Honey Bees, sampled honey, built a bee model and learned how to approach a beekeepers hive and the equipment they use.
PLANTS & TREES
We combined our study of insects with plants in order to better understand the importance of pollination and the plant/insect relationship.
5TH Grade studied the beneficial insects, pollination and seed propagation.
6TH Grade studied pollination, seed propagation and effects on the U.S. food supply.
7TH Grade studied pollination, seed propagation and effects on the Global food supply.
8TH Grade studied pollinators’ effect on the food supply and what is happening to our pollinators.
PLAN FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR
The environmental overall class theme will be Climate Change. Each Grade will have a different focus on climate change through D.A.T.E. themes. 8TH grade will be studying how climate change may change the way we live in the future, 7TH grade will be studying Hydroponics and its uses in the future, 6TH grade will look at soil and its importance and 5TH grade will get their introduction to Environmental Science.
Elementary Summer Reading list K-4th grade
KindergartenHint: Reading early doesn’t mean reading better! Take your time and savor the world of picture books. Here's a list of books to get started:
- Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser (HarperCollins, 2005) The color fuchsia, lace-trimmed socks, tiaras, French accents and frilly toothpicks, this little sister likes all things f-a-n-c-y FANCY, and she's generously willing to share her expertise in private lessons.
- An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long (Chronicle Books, 2006) Though most children encounter eggs cold, white and by the dozen in their refrigerator, this book brings eggs to life as the source of just that, in a multitude of colors, shapes, and textures. A lovely literary introduction to looking closely at the natural world.
- Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Jen Corace (Chronicle Books, 2005) "If you want to grow up and be a big, strong pea, you have to eat your candy," Papa Pea would say. "If you don't finish your candy then you can't have dessert," Mama Pea would say. But yuck! Little Pea doesn't like candy! Can he make it through dinner to dessert…and a surprise ending? Gotta love vegetables with a twist.
- And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, illustrated by Henry Cole (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 2005) Roy and Silo walked together. And sang to each other. And built a nest together. And wound their necks around each other. But there was one thing Roy and Silo couldn't do together. With the help of a sympathetic zookeeper, these penguin partners were able to become a family. Based on the true story, this is a perfect blend of storytelling, science and sentimentality.
- Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey (Puffin, 1976) A bear mother and child and a human mother and child accidentally trade places during a delicious day of berry-picking on the hill. Sweet as pie, this reassuring, straightforward classic story suggests that someone to take care of you is always right around the corner.
First GradeHint: Turn on the closed-captioning feature of your television set to expose your child to sight-word vocabulary, even when you aren’t reading from books.
- The Giants and the Joneses by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Greg Swearingen (Henry Holt and Co. , 2005) Both Jumbeelia and Colette are avid collectors, and they both tire of their collections fairly quickly. The big difference between them is just that: Jumbeelia is a giant, and she has finally found a magic bimplestock to climb down and collect some adorable igglyplops, or human beings…namely, Colette and her siblings! With the help of a glossary, children will soon be bilingual in Giantese, and read-aloud has never felt so fresh and funny.
- The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds (Walker Books Ltd, 2004) "Just make a mark and see where it takes you," Vashti's art teacher advises. When a simple dot gets kudos in class, Vashti ups her own antie and makes quite a splash at the art show.
- The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss (Dr. Seuss Green Back Books, 2003) A collection of subtle stories about tolerance and the value of being different. Do we love others even when they don't have stars upon thars? What are the drawbacks of naming twenty three sons "Dave"? And the pale green pants with nobody inside them...friend or foe?
- Heckedy Peg by Audrey and Don Wood (Voyager Books, 1992) In this introduction to the dark, moody, dreamlike world of fairy tales, a loving mother rescues seven children named for the days of the week from the clutches of a truly wicked witch.
- Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies by Carolyn Crimi (Candlewick, 1995) More interested in books than timber-shivering or plank-walking, Henry is the laughingstock of the swarthy pirate crew. But when no one heeds his red-sky-at-morning warning and the ship is lost, it is Henry's book-smarts that save the day. This book demonstrates that readers are leaders!
Second GradeHint: A mix of picture books and short chapter books will help keep your new reader feeling confident!
- Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and Mary Azarian (Houghton Mifflin, 1998) One man uses his dream of photographing snowflakes to create a gift for the world. This picture book biography is rich with discussion points, and is a pleasure to share across the grade levels.
- Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar (Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 2004) A hilarious Zen guide to elementary education in the schoolhouse that was built thirty stories high.
- Rickshaw Girl by Matali Perkins (Charlesbridge Publishing, 2007) When Naima tries to maneuver her father's beautiful, newly-painted rickshaw, it appears she has brought rack and ruin to her family, possibly even causing her mother to sell a cherished bangle that has been passed down through generations. Dressed as a boy, she tries to create a new solution that will prevent further hardship. A wonderful example of modern multicultural children’s literature.
- The Empty Pot by Demi (Henry Holt and Co., 2007) An emperor announces a gardening contest to find his successor, but fraudulent foliage among the competitors is sprouting like weeds. The king has a trick up his sleeve to find the worthy winner. This parable brings home the importance of honesty without being preachy. Did you know this illustrator has been known to use a mouse’s whisker to paint these lovely, jeweled pictures?
- Poop by Nicola Davies (Candlewick Press, 2007) Every page flows over with absolutely fascinating fecal facts, from the double-dose of digesting power that pellets afford to rabbits or the tell-tale dumps of sloths, otters and hippos that speak (or stink) louder than words. Overall, a remarkably engaging and informative science book that rises far above its genre's foul beginnings, and will make a novice scientist out of your favorite fart-joke-teller (you know you have one). I love this book so much, I keep a copy in my own bathroom.
Third GradeHint: Don’t fear series books! Most lifelong readers have these on their reading menu as children.
- Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary (Harpercollins, 1992) Ramona tries to be good, but the prospect of pulling Susan’s boing-boing curls proves a little too hard to resist. Introduce kids to the series star Ramona, and you’ll be introducing them to a friend for life! (Readers who want a more contemporary protagonist will fall in love with Clementine by Sara Pennypacker).
- Frindle by Andrew Clements (Aladdin, 1998)A boy invents a new word and makes an adversary of his dictionary-devout teacher. Could it be that teachers are real people, too? This author is a master of stories set at school, with conflicts that kids will readily recognize.
- The Adventures of the Little Wooden Horse by Ursula Moray Willliams (Kingfisher, 2005) A toy ventures out into the wide world to seek his fortune and to help the man who made him. This book is a sleeper that keeps listeners wide awake; I have shared it out loud with over a hundred children, and it never failed to delight.
- Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Yuyi Morales (Harcourt Trade Publishers, 2003) Though their crops may have withered, a seed was germinating in young Cesar Chavez, a child of migrants who would grow up to lead a 300-mile march for worker’s rights. This is an extremely powerful book that underscores the bravery and resolve it takes to engage in non-violent protest, and rightly puts Chavez on the same scaffolding as Martin Luther King as a champion of peace. Picture-book biographies like this one are a great way to get kids to find mentors outside of their own communities and experiences!
- Molly Moon's Incredible Book of Hypnotism by Georgia Byng (Harper Collins Canada, 2004) It seems like Molly’s dreary world will never take an upward swing until she comes across a strange book in the library which introduces her to the mysterious and powerful world of hypnotism. She uses her power to do amazing things at a local talent show, and it seems like Molly will finally find the life she has been dreaming about. Little does Molly know that a criminal mastermind is hot on the trail of the precious volume that she holds in her hand. Fans of J.K. Rowling and Roald Dahl will love the snarky humor and suspense, and animal lovers will adore her pug companion.
Fourth GradeHint: Big kids have vistas that are expanding; give them historical fiction to imagine the past, and fantasy to imagine the future.
- D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Parin D’Aulaires (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 1992) The definitive guide to Greek mythology for children, these high-octane adventures are accentuated by full-page illustration.
- The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (Scholastic Press, 2007) If Hugo can repair the robot-like "automaton" rescued from a fire, he feels sure its metal hand will write a note from his departed father, conveying a plan to keep him safe. Set in and out of the sewers of Paris, the cinematic quality of this novel reinvents the fiction genre for a generation of visually literate children.
- City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau (Random House Books for Young Readers, 2003) The generator that provides the life-force for the city has been running well for hundreds of years, creating a society that is ambivalent and content, few venturing into the darkness that envelopes the city's perimeter. But the flickering lights indicate that it may be time to generate some new ideas, and fast! A fantastic underground world is fully realized in this cliffhanging, heart-pumping sci-fi fantasy that even people who don't like sci-fi fantasy will enjoy, and serves as a great springboard into ecological discussion.
- Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (Laurel Leaf, 1998) The Danish Resistance helps a family escape capture by the Nazis, with children playing a major role even in the most terrible of situations. (For kids who still have questions, a strong follow-up is Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy, based on the author’s aunt’s experience of survival in the Lodz ghettos.)
- The Wish Giver by Bill Brittain (HarperCollins Children's Books , 1990) Four creepy wishes are granted to four small-town folk, no trade-backs, no-nothing-backs. This formalistically flawless story sends shivers up a reader’s spine.
Links for Environmental Website & Experiments for kids K-4th grade ( To do over the summer)
- Natural Resources for Kids - Environmental Links | NRDCwww.nrdc.org/reference/kids.com
Natural Resources Defense Council
NRDC's list of environmental websites for kids. ... Environmental Education for Kids - EEK!, an online magazine for grades four to eight created by the Wisconsin ... - Environmental websites for kids | Eartheasy Blogeartheasy.com › Blog › Connect with Nature
Mar 5, 2009 - EekoWorld – A new PBS website teaches kids ages 6 to 9 how they can ... The “ Cool Links” page connects with other environmental websites. - Environmental Websites | WaterKids | US EPAwater.epa.gov/.../kids/wat...
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Sites that focus on the environment. EPA Environmental Websites for Kids and Teachers It is divided into age groups and includes a teacher's section. - EcoKids Homewww.ecokids.ca/
Ecokids Online
Kids - click here! ... Kids Home Page. Submit Query. Learn more · Sign up. Welcome to EcoKids, the award-winning environmental education site from Earth Day ... - Environment | TIME For Kidswww.timeforkids.com/minisite/environment
Time for Kids
More TFK Mini-Sites. Holidays · 2013 Holiday ... For Teachers: Download these free printable activities to teach your students about environmental conservation. - Green (Environmental) WebSites for Kidswww.gogreenman.com/greenwebsite.htm
Green (Environmental) Websites for Kids. Disclaimer: At the time we linked to these pages, they had acceptable content for children. We do not control the web ... - Websites for Kids, young environmentalists, and the ... - Care2www.care2.com/channels/ecoinfo/kids
Care2
Highlights and activities for kids, young environmentalists and students, featuring flash animations, ... Created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. - Websites - Environmental Education - Sierra Clubvault.sierraclub.org/education/websites.asp
Web Sites. Support and Curriculum for Classroom or Outdoor Studies. Kids Gardening - This site includes classroom projects, thematic explorations, parents' ... - EPA Environmental Kids Club | Great Websites for Kidsgws.ala.org/.../epa-environmental-kids-clu...
American Library Association
EPA Environmental Kids Club screen shot. Whats the air quality index? How does the water cycle work? Find the answers to these questions, and many others ... - Kids Home Page - Kids Pages - National Institute of ...kids.niehs.nih.gov/
Features environmental games, science, puzzles, and research information.
SUPPLY LIST: (one item)
ALL STUDENTS WILL NEED AN SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE NOTEBOOK & Pencils for taking notes!
Middle School: Ms. Koon
SUMMER READING (2015)
BOOKS
5-6th
Operation Redwood by S Terrell French
The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt
6-7th
Frightful’s Mountain by Jean Craighead George
The Missing Gator of Gumbo Limbo by Jean Craighead George
7-8th
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
The Talking Earth by Jean Craighead George
END OF YEAR ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMARY 2015
TECHNOLOGY
Technology was used in the presentation of group assignments. Many students used Power Point presentations; all students used technology in their research of their topics.
used technology through websites (weather channel, c-span, NASA, EPA, etc…), National Geographic shorts and documentaries. I also brought in educational themed movies, the Lorax, the Silencing of the Bees and Meerkat Manor.
ENVIRONMENTAL
RECYCLE, REDUCE, RECYCLE AND SUSTAINABILITY
5TH Grade overview of current environmental issues; what they are, how they affect us and the environmental impact that they have in our community. They used egg cartons as plant starters and compost from the schools compost area. We discussed how agricultural waste and solid waste is handled here in Georgia. We also briefly discussed upcycling and repurposing home and school items.
6TH Grade learned about Waste Management and the cost of getting rid of it. They learned about the movement of household waste and the waste that leaves our school. We also briefly discussed upcycling and repurposing home and school items.
7TH Grade learned about Population and community, Read “China’s One Child Policy” and discussed the reasons and implications on their future population. Created concept maps on things important in populations and wrote articles about one of the items. Discussed resources use, creation and disposal with 7 billion plus people on the planet.
8TH Grade Watched the movie “A Place at the Table”, discussed the problem of food insecurity among children and adults in the United States. Learned about food production, how it travels and how the process can be handled more sustainably.
NATURAL DISASTERS & GLOBAL WARMING
5TH Grade learned about the difference between weather and climate, how and where weather is created. They learned the difference between a weather watch and a weather warning, and what they should do in preparation. Reviewed how to read a thermometer and conducted several weather instrument experiments.
6TH Grade began by learning about what happens to waste created by weather/ natural disasters and what types of waste might be created in certain disasters. They then focused on how a tornado is formed and the scale (Fujita) used to measure it. They learned where “tornado alley” is and the states that it encompasses. We looked at the current natural disasters occurring in the U.S. and the impact they have on the entire United States.
7TH Grade learned about Climate Change and its impact on weather here and globally by studying the impact of rising seas due to climate change by investigating the impact it has had in the Maldives. We then focused on how Hurricanes are formed and the scale (Saffir-Simpson) used to measure them. They learned how and why they are named and how hurricanes and cyclones are alike. They discussed tropical storms and how they get elevated to hurricanes.
8TH Grade focused on weather patterns, longitude & latitude weather events and how weather is being affected by global warming. Discussed preparations for natural disasters in Georgia, what to pack as a kid, where in the house and at school might be safe and what to do if you are outside when bad weather occurs.
ENERGY, POWER AND WATER
All grades studied renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. We did around the campus wind and solar demonstrations and in-class clocks powered by potatoes, lemons and apples. Each grade was assigned group projects on a renewable or non-renewable energy source to present to their class.
5TH and 6TH Grades built Pie Plate Wind Makers in order to understand how wind is created.
7TH Grade learned about hydropower and ocean energy. They built a small hydroponic container and learned how to maintain it and foods that can be grown in it.
8TH Grade students designed and built their concept of the “Future of Aquaponics”. They studied the schools system and designed one that they thought would be affordable to all households.
ROCKS, MINERALS & EROSION
5TH & 6th Grade focused on the Grand Canyon, how it was formed, current native population in the area and planning a vacation for their families.
7TH Grade focused on the native people of Arizona, how they function in a desert environment and how they use natural rocks and minerals in the area.
ANIMALS, INSECTS & HABITATS
All grades studied an endangered species and its habits & habitats. They also studied why the species is endangered and what we can do to help save them.
5TH Grade students chose an endangered species, researched it, built a diorama of its habitat and presented it to their classmates. They also studied the Black Bear.
6TH Grade studied the Grey wolf and students chose an endangered species, researched it, built a diorama of its habitat and presented it to their classmates.
7TH Grade studied the Meerkat family groups, habitat and genealogy.
8th Grade studied Honey Bees, sampled honey, built a bee model and learned how to approach a beekeepers hive and the equipment they use.
PLANTS & TREES
We combined our study of insects with plants in order to better understand the importance of pollination and the plant/insect relationship.
5TH Grade studied the beneficial insects, pollination and seed propagation.
6TH Grade studied pollination, seed propagation and effects on the U.S. food supply.
7TH Grade studied pollination, seed propagation and effects on the Global food supply.
8TH Grade studied pollinators’ effect on the food supply and what is happening to our pollinators.
PLAN FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR
The environmental overall class theme will be Climate Change. Each Grade will have a different focus on climate change through D.A.T.E. themes. 8TH grade will be studying how climate change may change the way we live in the future, 7TH grade will be studying Hydroponics and its uses in the future, 6TH grade will look at soil and its importance and 5TH grade will get their introduction to Environmental Science.