Thursday, July 31, 2014

Saddle Ridge Pond

We are approved to proceed into the woods:

Did you know we have a beautiful pond at Saddle Ridge and other wetland habitats? These areas are protected by the EPA, but they are resources we can access for learning.

Think of your favorite learning experiences...were they in a desk or outside?

    "Real Learning Environments" allow students to experience concepts in the state and national standards.  Students need physical access to concepts such as evaporation, erosion, climate, life cycles, motion and force, diversity of life, heredity, cells, interdependence of life, biodiversity wetlands, water cycle, etc. by going into nature right here at Saddle Ridge.

Our new agriculture teacher, Betts Berry, is going to help us plow the way into our forest.  Thank you Betts!

Our pond needs a name...Have your class submit a pond name by August 29th.  We will have the entire school vote for their favorite name. More details to follow...

Let's share ideas, develop a plan, and get our students outside and in the forest.  

August 19th at 2:50 will be our first organized meeting in room 110 here at Saddle Ridge.  


Here is an image of one Wetland at our school: Saddle Ridge Elementary/Middle School.


Also:
Let's get ready to celebrate World Wetlands Day at our pond.



What is World Wetlands Day?

2 February each year is World Wetlands Day. This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Each year since 1997, the Ramsar Secretariat has provided materials so that government agencies, non-governmental organizations, conservation organizations, and groups of citizens can help raise public awareness about the importance and value of wetlands.
Read more: http://www.ramsar.org/cda/en/ramsar-activities-wwds-world-wetlands-day-2/main/ramsar/1-63-78^21729_4000_0__

Wetlands are vital for life! 

Without action, millions of hectares of wetlands will be lost over the next few years. One way to stop the loss of wetlands is through the implementation of the Convention and its mission: the conservation and wise use of all wetlands. Effective implementation of the Convention and the conservation of the essential services provided by wetlands require many actions, including making inventories, evaluating the health of the wetland, managing and restoring wetlands and building capacities in developing countries to maintain sustainable use of wetlands and their services that are Vital for Life!

Wetlands: Keeping our planet alive and well" Video-free download

“Wetlands: keeping our planet alive and well” is available for download in English, French, and Spanish versions, both long and short. “The movie tells a story about the importance of wetlands for human beings and issues that these most precious resources are facing. The Ramsar Convention helps people to work together and manage these vital ecosystems.” 

Wetland Activities...visit: http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/education/pdfs/DUTeachers4-6.pdf

From animal tracks to bug collecting, add ideas below...let's get students outside!

inspire...be inspired!!!