We had an AWESOME Week!

We had a great week with the weather and with your children. They are now more knowledgeable, more together as a 5th grade...and more independent! Be proud of your kids! See you soon Pine Grove!

Justin Time!

After being out sick all week, we were happy to see Justin arrive for the final day!

Getting ready for Breakfast

Students prepare the tables for all meals at Ferry Beach. Today we had French Toast, sausage, and cereal.

Good Morning--Time to Pack up!

We were treated to another beautiful sunrise as we packed up for our final day here at Ferry Beach.

Eco-Carnival Night

Tonight was Eco-Carnival Night where the students played a variety of games that tested their knowledge of what was learned during our week here at Ferry Beach--kind of like a final exam!

Now, the kids are tucked safely into bed for their final night, dreaming of seeing their families again tomorrow.

Beach and Dunes

This afternoon the students learned about the beach and dune ecosystem. They learned about the primary dunes, secondary dunes and how they protect Ferry Beach. The kids then built mountains and the Saco River in the sand. One student was the "jetty" and they learned how the sand shifts and how erosion is affecting the beach. Most groups also did a scavenger hunt to find biotic and abiotic items on the beach.

Somewhere over the rainbow!

Wow, check this out! Minutes after returning from our Beach and Dune lesson, a thunderstorm rattled through Ferry Beach.

Student Choice

This morning the kids were able to choose from a variety of different lessons. One group took the Jetty Jaunt, a walk to Camp Ellis and onto the jetty next to the Saco River. Another group worked on improvisation, while some went to the beach and dug huge holes! The kids in wild, wild edibles enjoyed the carrots and wintergreen, and another group did Nature Photography. Some took their survival skills and built shelters in the woods. The weather is now a bit overcast, showers may move in, but the kids continue to be happy and active.

Progress Reports

Hi Parents!

A quick note. Tomorrow is Progress Report day for Pine Grove. Since 5th grade is at camp, we will hand our reports out next Friday.

Good Morning, I'm hungry!

The sun is up once again at Ferry Beach. We have just returned from breakfast of scrambled eggs, hash browns, and cereal. This morning, the students will have different lessons to choose, our afternoon lesson will be beach and dunes, and this evening, we will have the Eco-Carnival. It looks to be another busy, exciting day!

Astronomy

This evening was packed full of activities to engage the students in learning about astronomy. One activity had the Naturalist throw a bunch of beans on a cement walkway. From there, the kids had to see if they could identify any patterns, such as the patterns in the sky forming constellations. In their field books, the students drew a "constellation" they saw in the beans and created a story to explain the importance of this pattern. Another activity had students playing "poker" using cards to create a planet that would be suitable for human life. Later, the kids had a chance to look at the moon through the telescope and observe the craters. Then, off to the beach to dig for "stars" in the sand! Actually, they were digging and finding dinoflagellates (marine plankton) that light up in the sand and look like stars! But now, your "little stars" are cozy in their beds as day 3 has come to a close.

Salt Marsh Madness!

The afternoon lesson was on the salt marsh ecosystem. The students took a core sample, learned how the marsh is like a sponge, used a trap to catch mummichogs, and much more! Once they gained all this salt marsh knowledge, they received a reward...and I will let the video do the rest, but you just might not recognize your child!

If I were King of the Forest

This morning the students learned about forest succession--which is the predictable series of changes in vegetation. Example: weedy growth will give way to shrubs and then to small trees, and eventually to larger trees. The kids saw an example of this, where an area of grass near the woods has been roped off for 11years. They saw how over time, the weeds and grass grow high, and a small oak tree has begun to grow. Students then predicted what it would look like in 5, 10, and 20 years from now.

Later they played a game where half the kids were gray squirrels and the other half were red squirrels. They were each given 8 beans to hide for the "winter". Gray squirrels hide their food in several different places, whereas the red squirrel puts all their food in one spot. The kids were sent out a few times during the "winter" to find their food. They came back to their group and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each squirrel's method of hiding their food. The kids are active, having fun...and learning!

Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun

Yes, Mr. Sun is shining upon us once again at Ferry Beach! The kids are up, dressed, smiling, and have eaten breakfast of cereal, French Toast, sausage, and fresh fruit. The first lesson we will venture into the woods to learn about the forest ecosystem.