Jennifer B. Esty
This curriculum unit covers many facets of ecology. However, it does not cover everything. One thing which I have not included in this unit, but might be an interesting addition especially in an elementary classroom is vermicomposting. Vermicomposting is the process of composting organic waste by using worms. There are composing systems available for sale in garden stores and lots online, but the systems are also extremely easy to set up in the classroom for a pittance. There are also some very good links on the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection web page for Recycling and Organics Composting. Vermicomposting allows students to study in detail what earthworms and decomposers do to decompose the organic materials we throw away. Furthermore, because earthworms are not native to New England, it provides an opportunity to discuss invasive species, which is another topic not thoroughly covered in this unit.
This unit looks at basic classification, which is essential for keeping track of the billions of species on our planet. It looks at methods for differentiating between organisms that are outwardly similar, which helps train students to observe details carefully. Careful observation is a useful skill to a new mother who needs to observe her baby's moods and needs to assess the child's health and growth. This unit continues with data collection. Whether the student is able to come into the woods or simply reads about them, she is introduced to the wonder of the natural world. There is so much of the natural world that is easily accessible, even in New Haven, that it is a pity that more children are not exposed to it. My hope is that students who start the class afraid of squirrels will come to understand that they prefer nuts to ankles and really are just trying to make a living in a harsh world. Furthermore, I hope that if my students can be made comfortable in the more natural settings of places like West Rock park, that they will, in turn, bring their children to explore the little streams that run in the park and the marvelous creature that can be seen if you sit still and wait for them. Finally, even if a particular student hated the field trips to the "wilds" of New Haven, she will still learn to organize her thoughts in a logical way in her lab report, which is a useful skill in life regardless of what she does.
