Bringing Ecosystems to Life

The 5th-grade students at Jefferson Elementary School recently showcased their knowledge and creativity with a ‘Museum Gallery Walk’ in the school cafeteria. After completing a unit in the ARC Reading Program focusing on ecosystems and research, the students proudly displayed their research and projects for their peers, families, school staff, and many younger students at Jefferson. 

Prior to the event, students researched and became an 'expert' on an ecosystem of their choice through an inquiry-based instructional approach that encouraged collaboration. They examined key characteristics of their ecosystems, identified producers, consumers, and decomposers, and investigated the threats to their ecosystem’s health and stability.

To bring their research to life, students at Jefferson chose to present their findings through dioramas, posters, or books. Their projects not only demonstrated their understanding of ecosystems but also highlighted their ability to synthesize information and present it creatively.

"During the eight weeks of research, our students persevered. Not only did they overcome the challenges of evaluating new complex information and topics, but they also needed to learn the process of researching and making inferences about their specific ecosystems," said Jacqueline Rosenstein, Jefferson 5th-grade teacher. "Allowing the students to be the drivers of their own learning empowered them to take ownership of their ecosystem research. By the middle of the unit, students had fostered a curiosity that supported their critical thinking skills to develop as researchers and writers."

The ARC Reading Program played a key role in the success of this unit as students and staff found the fifth-grade ecosystem resources that supported students during this unit were highly engaging. 

“ARC is supporting our students through a wide range of reading targets and literacy skills. Specifically, the daily opportunities for writing in this program are having a positive effect on our students' learning. They are building a love for reading and expression through writing," said Rosenstein. "We found that the ecosystem unit aligned with our Mystery Science Unit Web of Life. The students were actively building vocabulary through explicit instruction, which transferred to our science unit and stimulated their curiosity about the world around them."

During the gallery walk, students enthusiastically shared their work with peers, teachers, and visitors. The event provided an opportunity for them to practice public speaking, showcase their hard work, and engage in meaningful discussions about environmental conservation. The gallery walk also served as an opportunity for younger students to engage with their older peers, whom many students look up to as role models and grade-level buddies. 

 "As I took a gallery walk at the 5th-grade ecosystem presentations, I was most proud of our students’ sense of accomplishment. They worked so hard researching, writing, and revising and creating a final project to present. The final projects were amazing,” said Dr. Shamel C. Lewis, Jefferson Principal. “The eco system presentations allowed our 5th grade students to realize that they are all authors. Even our students who are typically shy, rose to the occasion and shared their presentations. These presentations presented an opportunity for our younger students to get a glimpse at where they will be heading as students at Jefferson.”

Lewis said the ARC program has made a significant impact at Jefferson School with results visible in every classroom as students are reading and writing more than ever before. 

“Overall, the opportunities for students to conduct research have helped our students experience what it means to be an expert in a variety of nonfiction areas. This goes hand and hand with citing textual evidence, giving peer-peer feedback, and engaging in speaking and listening. We are seeing a huge boost in the confidence of our students and the ARC program certainly has supported this shift," said Lewis. 

Rosenstein said the team was very pleased with the event turnout, with over 40 families in attendance, illustrating a collaborative partnership and a large focus on school to home relationships at Jefferson. 

“I always say, ‘we have to continue to give students opportunities to be successful.’ I’d like to give a big shout out to all of our 5th grade teachers for giving our students this opportunity to be successful,” said Lewis. “I think that the level of support our 5th graders received directly aligns with who we are as a school community. Our ML team, our SPED team, our front office staff, our custodial team, our social worker, and academic arts, STEAM, and PE teams all showed up to support our 5th-grade students. These presentations exemplify what is great about Jefferson—we are a supportive community!"