Polar Animal Dioramas at Washington School
Science study has been stepped up this year in the Huntington School District, with students working independently and in small groups on projects in all six elementary buildings. The youngsters have had fun while learning a range of new concepts. Parents have turned out to view classroom projects and have been impressed.
Similar to teachers across the district, Washington School second grade teacher Joan Marie Balsari held a science fair in her room last week. Students showed off polar animal dioramas and discussed their work with parents, teachers and fellow students on all grade levels.
“It was a lot of fun,” one of the second graders said. “We all felt important when someone asked us a question and we knew the answer.” The students conducted in-depth study of five different polar animals, including the polar bear, walrus, seal, penguin and arctic fox.
The second graders worked in cooperative groups for each animal studied, researching questions and later writing short non-fiction books about each animal. The youngsters enjoyed the afternoon visits by parents. “I was glad my mom came and saw all the dioramas,” one student said. “The parents said we did a good job, which made me feel good,” said another.
Many visitors were surprised at how well written the books were. Some of the volumes were remarkably well-illustrated and many displayed a remarkably deep degree of knowledge, including an assortment of interesting facts and figures.
The second graders took special delight in sharing their work with former teachers from kindergarten and first grade. “I liked showing my teacher how much I have been learning,” said one student. “My old teacher couldn’t believe how good my project was,” said another.
“The whole class worked very hard, reading, writing and discussing their particular animal,” said Mrs. Balsari, whose husband, Dennis, even attended the show. “They were really creative in developing the dioramas. Their ideas were splendid. They’re a special bunch.”
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