Plants in Nature

This was by far one of the students' favorite weeks in STEM Lab!  To further give students an understanding of the role of plants in nature, all classes enjoyed a "nature walk" on our beautiful Cougar Trail.  Many students had never been on the trail, and others fondly remembered it from preschool and kindergarten hikes. 

As we walked the trail, students tried to "spy" various things along the way from a long list on our lab sheets.  We saw flowers, insects, birds and vegetation in their natural environment.  One class even spotted a VERY large lizard that Mrs. Sweet was not overly fond of!  They named him "George," before sending him on his way!  We also saw things such as candy wrappers, soda bottles, and plastic bags that should not be found in nature.  We discussed the importance of leaving nature as we find it, and leaving it as if we have never even been there.  Students did an awesome job picking up litter throughout the campus and on the Cougar Trail!