Environmental Education

Terrapins in the Classroom

As a part of the 4th grade Bay Studies Program, students have taken on the responsibility of “over-wintering” a diamondback terrapin hatchling from Poplar Island. Kent School enjoys a continuing partnership with the National Aquarium’s Conservation Division, which provides a strong connection to authentic scientific study, as the classroom terrapins are part of ongoing research conducted by Dr. Willem Roosenburg, Associate Professor of Biology at Ohio University. During the project, students will collect growth data, observe behaviors, learn care and husbandry protocols, and research the natural history of our State reptile.

A Visit From Marc Castelli

Renowned local artist, Marc Castelli, spent a morning with 4th grade teaching both art techniques and history related to the Chesapeake Bay. Castelli’s work focuses on the Bay’s Eastern Shore and the ways of the water that make it unique. Imparting his intense interest and love of the waterman’s way of life and a glimpse of the history of the early settlers of the Bay region proved a fascinating lesson for the students. His presentation was one in a series of guest speakers associated with the Chesapeake Bay Studies program.

Water Quality Assessment

Fourth Graders made their first trip down to the Chester River to complete a basic assessment of the water quality near our campus. A variety of tests were performed by the students to collect “baseline” information for future assessments. These results will be compared to testing completed at other sites throughout the watershed. In addition, students perform regular water quality tests in our classroom programs with blue gills and diamondback terrapins. These opportunities are designed to provide the students with an understanding of the concept of water quality as well as the need to monitor this precious resource.

Stream Ecology

As part of the Bay Studies program, students in the 4th grade performed two stream surveys in a lab environment. After classroom study of benthic macro invertebrates (freshwater aquatic insects), students were able to identify more than sixteen different species. These nymph stage of various insects are used as indicators of stream health due to their tolerance or sensitivity to various environmental conditions. Follow-up activities include analysis of the data recorded on the quantity and variety of each species found. Later this spring the class will have an opportunity to repeat this activity in the field!

Tree Planting

When is the best time to plant a tree? If you’re in third grade, it was Monday, April 11th. This winter we lost a photinia shrub in the school garden due to weather. We decided to replace it with a native flowering tree known as a shadbush serviceberry. It is one of the earliest flowering trees in this area and coincides with the “running of the shad”, an almost lost species of fish in the Bay watershed. Stop by sometime and see the progress in the garden, we’ve even started mulching!

Owl Pellets

Second graders had an exciting three part lab exploring owl pellets! As part of their study of birds, each student received their own pellet to dissect. What is an owl pellet? Owls, like many other birds, eat their food whole. Since birds do not have teeth, they can't chew their food. Therefore, they use their strong and sharp beaks to rip their prey apart and then swallow large chunks whole. The owl slowly digests its meal by separating the softer materials (such as meat) from the harder material (such as bones). It then regurgitates the harder material along with indigestible items such as feathers and fur in the form of a pellet. Using sterilized pellets, students discover all manner of creatures including skulls and bones of baby muskrats, birds, and shrews! Using a chart of possible finds, the children are able to identify the last meal of an owl.

National Aquarium

Third graders were treated to a presentation by the National Aquarium in preparation for two field experiences at the Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge planned for later this spring. The class will be exploring the wetland habitats used by our native diamondback terrapins and helping to restore an area of concern by planting spartina plugs. After a controlled burn to remove phragmites, spartina (a native grass species) is planted to prevent erosion of this fragile ecosystem. This habitat zone is favored by the terrapins as a nesting site. Students completed an activity designed to develop an understanding of topography and the maps used to illustrate tidal zones.

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Scales and Tales

Little School and Lower School students were visited by the Department of Natural Resources Scales and Tales Program. Wildlife biologist Jessica Connely brought a collection of creatures indigenous to the Chester River and the larger Chesapeake Bay watershed. Students were exposed to a corn snake and a hog nosed snake, a screech owl, a barred owl, and a great horned owl. Probably most exciting was the last animal making its first public performance, a bald eagle! Each of these animals had been injured and rehabilitated but were unable to be released for a variety of reasons. Although we share our world with these creatures, many of us never get a chance to see them up close.

Garden Chores

Third graders took advantage of the first nice day of spring by getting down to business in the school garden. What a mess! Dead-heading, edging, raking, and composting were on the list of chores for the afternoon. As weather permits, students will be continuing the clean up in preparation for watching the perennials pop up and planting new annuals to attract a wide variety of butterflies and insects. These activities not only provide food and shelter for “wildlife” but study material for outdoor learning. The garden has become a favorite play space during recess.