Objective 1: Systematic Sustainability: Green School Building, Curriculum and Instruction, Professional Development and Celebration
1) Environmental Issue Instruction
Our Big Schoolyard Magazine
Swan Meadow students collaborated throughout the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 school years to create “My Big Schoolyard” magazine. Students in 1st-2nd grades recorded observations of the woodland habitat within the schoolyard and researched organisms living there, while 3rd-5th grade students explored the PIERS native wildflower meadow, researching and recording observations of the Monarch life cycle and an argiope spider. Middle school students investigated species living in nearby Cherry Creek where they also conducted water quality testing. Students used their scientific discoveries to create and publish their magazine. Next Generation Science Standards and Maryland STEM Standards of Practice are integral parts of environmental science education at Swan Meadow School.