In unit 1 Lesson 7 kindergarten students work to design a shade shelter to protect an object from the sun. Students used different materials including Lincoln logs, magnatiles, legos, cardboard, empty paper towel rolls and more to create a shade from the sun. Students worked in groups to create the shade shelter and then teachers circulated around the room shining a flashlight on the object acting as the sun. Then students can adjust their shade shelter if needed to protect the object from the "sun". Finally the class discussed what made a shade shelter effective.

Students learn about quick and slow changes to Earth and how it has an impact on the environment. They use resources to determine how wind erosion, water erosion, earthquakes, volcanoes, erosion, mountains, and glacier impacts Earth. Students created an experiment using sand and spray bottles to determine the impact of water erosion.

A channel 9 Meteorologist visited Wood Acres Elementary 3rd grade. The students learned how to build a home that could withstand an extreme storm-tornado, blizzard, or hurricane. The students measured the wind using anemometers.

In lesson Unit 5, students study the effects of weathering and erosion on the earth's surface. They look at the land around our school and notice areas that have been affected by these things. They discuss and learn ways that we can prevent runoff, like bioswales, rain gardens, and the importance of planting vegetation.

We will be having the students plan and construct (out of materials that can be found at home) a model nest and have them explain how the nest will help protect young birds. Student's will upload their videos to a Flip Grid.

Students created water collection tools to collect water in the school yard and test it form contaminants. They, also, took a tour outside to determine that the school is environmentally friendly due to the recent renovations. 5th grade students created water collection tools to collect water in the school yard and test it for contaminants. They took a tour of the outside to determine that the school is very environmentally friendly due to the recent renovations – Wood Acres has a water retention area, drains that direct water straight to the soil, and an area to the side of our school that collects runoff water. The class discussed that it is far better to have water drain to the natural ground because the earth is a natural filter. Students also took a tour of their neighborhood and took notes regarding where the drains take the water. Students are also more aware of what substances get carried in run off and go to our watershed.

Our green team presented a slide deck to staff on January 30th, 2023 to inform them about the Green School application process.

We attended the Nature Forward Professional Development to learn simple strategies for the green classroom.

Nature Forward PD

Nature Forward PD

Green Kids Training

Annual Walk and Bike to School Event outside the main entrance of Wood Acres! All Wood Acres families are encouraged to walk with their kids and community to school that day!

It's the 30th anniversary of JogFest! Whole community comes out to celebrate Wood Acres

5th grade students created water collection tools to collect water in the school yard and test it for contaminants. They took a tour of the outside to determine that the school is very environmentally friendly due to the recent renovations – Wood Acres has a water retention area, drains that direct water straight to the soil, and an area to the side of our school that collects runoff water. The class discussed that it is far better to have water drain to the natural ground because the earth is a natural filter. Students also took a tour of their neighborhood and took notes regarding where the drains take the water. Students are also more aware of what substances get carried in run off and go to our watershed.

The student green team created posters to remind students to conserve water.

2nd graders use natural light during instruction.

Students in the 4th Grade prefer the use of natural light and lamps during instruction.

Kindergarteners turn off the lights as a class job. "Light Monitor"

A green school manager came in and spoke to every lunch period about food waste reduction. He taught the students which lunch items were recyclable and the appropriate bin to put them in. He, also, put in a mini-refrigerator to reduce food waste.

Students use the bottle filler to fill up a pitcher to reduce use of plastic bottles.

Wood Acres student Green Team created posters encouraging water conservation and hung them up near bottle fillers.

Students created posters to encourage healthier eating habits. They hung them up in the cafeteria.

Wood Acres PTA proudly supports Martha’s Table and the hundreds of our D.C. neighbors it serves daily who are experiencing hunger or homelessness by increasing access to healthy food. This is an easy and impactful way for kids to directly help their community on a regular basis. WHAT: fresh fruit, trail mix, homemade muffins, meat sandwiches on whole wheat bread (no condiments) or pantry items. Fresh items will be delivered that night or the following night.

Food Collection Dates: 1/9, 2/6, 3/6, 4/17, 5/1, 6/5

Martha's Table will be collecting gently used children's books. Collection bins will be in the Kiss and Go Loop. (11/29-12/5)

Good Earth Garden Market will be providing a gift card to Wood Acres Elementary School to buy plants to promote clean air in the classrooms.

Phone call: 2/28 at 2:00pm

3/12 Visited Good Earth market, received a donation. We bought air plants for the classrooms because they are easy to maintain and can remove mild contaminants and chemicals from the air.

Next steps with Good Earth Market: Visit again in the spring to get more air plants and education on their care.