MUSEUM IN THE CLASSROOM
CHATSWORTH ELEMENTARY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHICAGO
ACADEMY
OF SCIENCES
A sixth grade class at Chatworth Elementary is excited about their participation
in a study of the tallgrass prairie that once covered the very area in which
we live. Long ago the corn and soybeans fields that grace the countryside
today, were an unending view of Big and Little Bluestem, Switch grass, Indian
grass, and other various grasses. Among the grasses were beds of color from
the wildflowers that shared their habitat. Also in this ecosystem were the
large and small wildlife that inhabited this area.
As you can see, this topic can be far-reaching academically. History research,
science exploration activities, math, writing, and of course technology
can be used to explore this aspect of our heritage here in Chatsworth. Technology
is linking the classroom with the education staff at the museum.
This is our support group. The museum staff, lead teacher and her husband,
our prairieland owner, and six core students.
One of our core student's family is very involved with prairie restoration.
Part of his family's farm is devoted to this interest. With his family's
knowledge and leadership, we will use this area for the beginning of our
studies. Since spring has arrived, one of his family's activites includes
a controlled burn of their grasslands. His father invited the class to witness
this event. When we visited the museum in April we shared our ideas with
the staff. With their guidance we have decided to observe the burn, then
mark a specific path that we will moniter over a certain time period. Our
observations will be recorded with maps, writing, and photography. The students
are using the QUICKTAKE 150 camera to take their pictures and then transfer
them to their computer.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BURN CLICK ON ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
CHATSWORTH ELEMENTARY PAGE
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