CruPARK Stories: Kindergarten Botanists
Students are bringing their science, math, engineering, and art skills to life at CruPARK this year. Second graders studying monarch butterflies have seen chrysalis hatchings and planted milkweed to improve natural habitat. First graders have worked together to measure and move logs to create original structures. Seventh graders studying Andy Goldsworthy’s sculptures have used found objects to create art. CruPARK leader Greg Mele recently designed a botanical garden for more field experiences supporting STEAM studies; this month the kindergartners got a chance to show off their plant identification skills.
Greg photographed eight plants on the property that were “in bloom and easily recognizable for the kindergarten age group” as advised by the kindergarten teachers. Greg uploaded photos of the plants to Quizlet, making it easy for all the kindergarten teachers to engage the students in games to learn the plant names. Once the kindergartners got to CruPARK, Greg explains, “They were very excited to see the plants they had been studying. They had a paper with all the plants and they had to put tally marks by the plants they found.”
Students spotted Chile pequin, Pencil cactus, Mexican hat, and Pigeonberry, among others. One of their favorites was Old man’s beard (Clematis drummondii). Just as exciting was the “secret classroom” Greg crafted for their visit. Over the summer, he discovered a grove of Prairie flameleaf sumac, and created an entry point where students could stand under a natural tree awning. “The sumac is in full bloom now, it’s stunning. I asked them to find the brightest leaf they could find, and they loved that challenge.”
CruPARK is growing as a “living lab” under Greg Mele’s guidance this year, and we’ll be sharing many more highlights along the way!
