Travis Fifth Graders Student Composting and Recycling

Travis Fifth Graders Student Composting and Recycling

Inspiration for learning was evident as a team of fifth grade teachers from Travis Elementary, including: Esther Mendoza, Adrian Mendoza, Luis Cintron, Shelley Lacaze, and Veronica Reyes, coordinated with me in an effort to facilitate engaging, cross curricular studies on decomposition and composting. Guest speakers Neil Kaufman and Kristen Rathbone, both students at Texas State University and affiliates with Bobcat Blend Composting, were invited to speak with students and to demonstration the importance of environmental science approaches to promote healthy soil cultivation. They also addressed the social responsibility and benefits of reusing and recycling materials for the development of new plant growth.

Fifth grade students were asked to think about composting as a conscientious effort to help the Earth and their own local community in San Marcos. Kaufman and Rathbone presented the initial stages of decomposition, made suggestions for home composting, and encouraged campus initiatives to compost at Travis. Angell Sidney, the campus science lab assistant, gave a brief presentation demonstrating proper ways to distinguish between lunchroom items for either landfill or composting. Her presentation was followed by a line-up display of decomposing items that were set out for students to explore with their senses.

As they made their way through and viewed, touched, and smelled, each plant item in the decomposition line-up, they were asked to record notes in their science journals regarding specific things they observed about the decomposition process. Students took advantage of the technology resources provided by the district. With a focused curiosity, they stopped and captured photos of each item with their iPads, so they could return to class and continue thinking about and discussing their observations with peers.

Intrigue for science and social studies was heightened by the hands-on activities and authentic community connection that was presented by the visit from Texas State guest speakers. Additionally, students were able to effectively integrate technology tools in a learning context to help them explore, understand, and keep records of their scientific observations.

This is another example of how classroom experiences are sharpened when students are given opportunities to participate collaboratively in meaningful lessons while integrating technological resources that enhance their education. 

Provided by: Kelly Zarate, District Technology Integration Coach, Project Based Learning  

Photos by, Kelly Zarate