Second graders recently finished a module all about plants and pollinators. Students learned all about the process of pollination and ended the unit being able to answer the question “how do we get fruits, flowers, and vegetables that we enjoy?” They focused on their reading and writing skills to answer the questions “how do plants grow and survive?” and “how do pollinators help plants grow and survive?”
Throughout the study, students first used multiple informational text features to conduct individual and small group research on pollinators. Each student then chose a fruit, vegetable, or flower, researched the pollinator that most helps contribute to the plant’s growth, and used their research notes to write an informative essay. The second graders learned how to create scientific drawings and created a poster to go along with their research essay. At the end of the study, students presented their findings to the class.
Four second grade students were selected to present their essay and research poster at the April 17, 2024 Board meeting.
Kira from Mrs. Street’s class chose to research moths because she likes apples. She explained to the audience how moths help to pollinate the new flowers on the blossoming apple tree, which then helps produce apples. Cora, from Mrs. Meehan’s class, presented on beetles. Cora chose to conduct her research on beetles because one of her favorite flowers is a magnolia. Magnolias are important to Cora because “they make the world look beautiful”. She told the audience that beetles pollinate the flowers because the pollen gets stuck to the beetle’s wings. The beetle then flies from flower to flower, spreading the pollen.
Ella from Mrs. Lagunas’ presented the audience with information about beetles. Mint is important to her because it is a main ingredient in her favorite flavor of ice cream. Ella explained that beetles are attracted to the scent of mint and the pollen from the mint flower gets stuck on the beetle’s hairy body. The beetle collects nectar from flower to flower, spreading pollen from the original plant.
Connor, also from Mrs. Street’s class, presented on wasps. Connor picked wasps because he loves strawberry pie and wasps are important to pollination of strawberry plants. He explained that wasps are attracted to the bright colors of the flowering strawberry plant and wasps help strawberry plants grow and survive by spreading pollen from plant to plant.
Owen from Mrs. Catain’s class was also selected to present his research and poster on butterflies. He was unable to attend the meeting, but the audience had the opportunity to view his poster.
We are so proud of all of the second graders for learning how to conduct research and present their findings to their peers and adults.