Day In the Life of the Hudson

This Tuesday, students in our 2-3 and 8th grade classes spent the day at Staats Island collecting science data as a part of the annual A Day In The Life of the Hudson event.  The eighth graders took on the role as science teachers for our younger students, leading them through stations where they learned about aquatic life and conducted experiments to test current speed, water clarity, and dissolved oxygen. Participating in A Day in the Life of the Hudson gives students the tools to act as knowledgeable stewards of our natural resources. The scientific work Parker students do here ignites a love for the environment. Students become advocates for clean water from an early age as they see the importance of their own contributions to the state-wide study.

Students rotated through various learning stations on the river bank. The fish identification station always elicits shrieks from both enthusiastic and squeamish students alike. There are always a few students who simply cannot pass up the experience to get up close and personal with their learning.

Two 8th graders lead younger students through a test to measure the dissolved oxygen in the water. Students have the opportunity to hone their skills of data collection and scientific observation by analyzing water samples from the science pond on Parker’s campus in the weeks leading up to this event.

Art teacher, Claire Sherwood, brought her clay studio to the site. Students rolled out tiles and selected native plants collected on site to “print” onto their tiles. This art experience, in combination with o ur historic site location at Staats Island, enables students to combine history, art, and science in one incredible interdisciplinary experience.

Parker completed our day with an act of service to the Staats’ family in appreciation for the use of their beautiful homestead. Everyone pitched in to help move firewood to the porch of the old house to get ready for winter.

4-5 Field Trip to the Iroquois MuseumIn their own words…

“The museum yesterday was really cool and interesting. It was also cool that the person who was talking about the Native Americans was a Native American himself. The Native American’s had a great respect for nature. For example, every time they eat an animal they prayed for it and gave their thanks for its sacrifice. Another interesting thing the Native American said was that his name was “He Who Waits” because when he was born his mother was in labor all day.”

“The museum was super fun! It was really cool how it was shaped like a longhouse. The kids’ area was really cool, but something that stuck out to me was their respect for everything, even their enemies. They tried to see the good in people not the bad, like we have been trying to do in class. Also, their respect and care for the land. They did not build factories like other people have. For example, instead of light that uses lots of energy, they used fires to bring in the light. And instead of plastic shin guards for kickball, they used bark from elm trees. They treated the land like a living thing, unlike other countries.”

Regeneron STEM Day

For the fourth year in a row, Parker K-8 students enjoyed a dynamic and engaging visit from Regeneron. As part of their “Day for Doing Good”, Regeneron comes to Parker to share the message of STEM and science. Our students are treated to a morning of hands-on experimentation that makes jaws drop and eyes pop. The whole school is abuzz with the enthusiasm sparked by learning from real scientists who are eager to share their love of curiosity.